It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Mary Lorraine Nicklas, of Tavistock, on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the age of 88.
Mary was born on October 17, 1936, to the late Arthur Wiffen and Marguerite Corp. She grew up on the 13th Line of East Zorra and, together with her husband, Carl, farmed and raised their family on the 16th Line before moving to Tavistock in January 1995. Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband, Carl Nicklas, on October 9, 2016, after 53 years of devoted marriage. Together, they built a life full of love, commitment, and shared memories.
She is lovingly remembered by her children: Sharon (Al Anonech), Ken (Janis), and Lynne (Terry Ross). She was a treasured grandmother to Zachary and Alexis Anonech, Maris and Kyle Nicklas, Jillian Hislop (Alex), Drew Ross (Emily Smith), and Jessica Ross (Max Hall), and a proud great-grandmother to Nora Hislop. Mary will be greatly missed by her siblings, Ron (Marleen) Wiffen of Tavistock and Margaret (Derwin) Spencer of Prescott, as well as her nieces, nephews, and countless other relatives and friends.
She was predeceased by her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Ross Nicklas (Violet), Ada Hoffmeyer (Clinton), and Ruth O’Dell (George).
At the age of 10, Mary demonstrated incredible resilience by overcoming tuberculosis after spending 150 days in a sanatorium. This experience shaped her determined and generous spirit, which she carried throughout her life. Mary’s life was marked by her boundless energy, creativity, and passion for community involvement. An avid quilter and knitter, she crafted numerous quilts for the Mennonite Central Committee Thrift Store and donated thousands of finger puppets to the Children’s Hospital of Western Ontario. She found immense joy in attending her grandchildren’s events, baking cookies, and playing games with them. Her famous Rice Krispie squares were a beloved staple at every family gathering.
In her community, Mary’s contributions were numerous and impactful. She served as a Brownie Leader, 4-H Leader, and secretary of the World Crokinole Committee. She was a proud 60-year member of the Princess Elizabeth Women’s Institute, a director with the Tavistock Agricultural Society, and a member of Cassel Mennonite Church. She was also a founding member of the Tavistock and District Historical Society. Mary’s passion for ancestry led her to compile 30 detailed family history's, preserving her family’s history for generations to come. In 2008, Mary and Carl were honored as the Seniors of the Year for the Township of East Zorra-Tavistock, recognizing their lifelong dedication to their community.
Visitation for friends and family will be take place at the Francis Funeral Home, 77 Woodstock Street North, Tavistock, on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place at the funeral home on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior. A time of fellowship and remembrance will follow at the Tavistock Men’s Club Hall across the street. Interment later in Grace United Church Cemetery.
For those unable to attend, the service will be streamed live via Mary’s obituary on the funeral home’s website.
As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Princess Elizabeth Women’s Institute, Cassel Mennonite Church, or the Tavistock and District Historical Society. Personal condolences can be posted at www.francisfh.ca
Mary’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and community will be deeply missed by all who knew her.