Obituary of Nicole Ann Kalagian

Kalagian-Sider, Nicole Anne of St. Catharines, passed away at the St. Catharines General Hospital on Saturday, January 5, 2008 at the age of 56 years. Nicki was born of May 27, 1951 in New Westminster, BC, the oldest of 5 children. She is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, Ted Sider, her mother, Bernice Kalagian, here siblings, Mary Anne Jablonski (Bob) of Red Deer, Alberta, Diana Creamer (Dan) of St. Catharines, Gary Kalagian (Debbie) of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Trish Jones (Mel) of Port Colborne, her sister-in-law Sharon Trottier (Rick) of Hamilton and her many treasured nieces and nephews. Nicki was predeceased by her father, Nick Kalagian and infant brother, Joseph, as well as her grandparents, Mariam and Paravon Kalagian, Joe Labinsky, and Annie and Wilf Stapely of New Westminster, BC. At an early age Nicki moved to St. Catharines with her parents where she grew up and went to school. She was class Valedictorian at St. James Elementary School and was presented with the Award of Excellence and later graduated from Grantham High School. She received her Nursing Training at Chedoke Nursing School in Hamilton. Nicki was a very dedicated Registered Nurse who worked at the St. Catharines General Hospital for 27 years, and touched the lives of many patients, their families and the staff. A colleague of Nicki's once said, "Whenever we're having a bad day, Nicki makes it better! "Nicki was known to brighten up the day of seniors in her care especially when she helped them to get up and dance. Nicki was a very active member of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church. She worked on church committees and at many events to help raise funds for a new church hall. She volunteered for the Shaver Rehabilitation Centre after her stroke and gave many Motivational and Inspirational Presentations on overcoming disabilities. Prior to her stroke, Nicki liked to crochet and outfitted many of her nieces' dolls with new clothes. She loved her constant companions and faithful friends, her dogs, Winston, Spencer, Holly and Latte. Nicki was kind and good to everyone she met. Her wit and wisdom, her compassion for others and her love for Ted, the love of her life, and her family and friends helped to make Nicki the very special and precious person that she was. Nicki will always be remembered with a smile on our lips and love in our hearts. Family and friends will be received at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton St. on Tuesday January 8 from 2-4, and 7-9 p.m. A funeral service for Nicki will be held on Wednesday January 9, 2008 at St. Gregory's Armenian Church on Carlton St. at 11 a.m. with cremation to follow. Memorial donations in Nicki's honour may be made to the Shaver Rehabilitation Centre, St. Gregory's Armenian Church, or the Canadian Diabetes Association.