On the Passing of Anne Nichols,
From Haldimand LSA Secretary Ron Speer:
Many may already know that our dear devoted Ann Nichols has departed this life and winged her way to the Abha Kingdom in the early hours of Monday March 30th.
Her daughters Jolene and Sofia, wish me to share these details with you all… Jolene has asked that the memorial be a celebratory gathering- a time to share many wonderful memories of this very spiritual sister, mother, relative and friend to so many. Ann specifically asked that people not wear black but rather the many colours of the rainbow at this time. We, who have had the privilege of knowing Ann, are richer for what she brought to all who shared precious moments with her. Prayers for the progress of her soul and for her special daughters, Jolene and Sofia, will wrap them in your warm loving embrace at this difficult time. Should any of you wish to contact the Haldimand Baha'i Community please feel free to call Ron Speer at 905-774-6526.
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Former LSA Member Fran Laner writes in the Hamilton Newsletter:
As a former member of the Haldimand Baha'i Community Assembly I was totally shocked of the news with respect to Ann Nichols passing away this morning at 1 am March 30th. Ann and her home has been a lighthouse for this community for many years. All who knew her loved her. She served many and she served well.
This community had requested for some time new members to move into the area, these requests were sent to varied larger communities without success. The need is even greater now, Ron Speer will be moving sometime in May, I left due to a devastating flood from the Grand River February 13th 2009, and now recently the death of our beloved Anne. Haldimand is a large community and there are areas that have not been reached because of lack of manpower. This Assembly needs help!
In earlier days Hamilton was known for its pioneers that moved out to either help open a new area, or to assist the formation of a new Assembly nearby. I am hoping someone from Hamilton will respond.
Blessings to all.
Love, Fran Laner
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From John Taylor:
I got the news of Anne's passing yesterday in the middle of writing one of my daily essays. I was so upset that I could not write another word until now, in tribute to her life.
Anne was one of the most devoted Baha'is I have ever met. Her home was open to meetings constantly. Her services as hostess to every function were always at the ready. She went to great effort to see that her home was spotless for every event.
She was intuitive to the point of being psychic, although in loyalty to the instructions in the Writings, she did not develop this talent. Nonetheless, in blatant self-interest whenever I was wondering about some course of action, I would ask her what she felt about it and then take what she said very seriously. When I had a moment with her alone at a recent fireside at the library where we were the only ones to show up, she shared a feeling of unease and foreboding, saying she was certain something was going to happen perhaps to this or that person. Now I know in my heart that the prophet was prophesying her own passing over.
As a former nurse we would always call her up for medical advice when we had small children and somebody got sick. She was there for Marie as an unofficial midwife when our son Thomas was born; long after I had left from complete exhaustion from that all night vigil, she stayed in the birthing room, rubbing Marie's back and keeping her company. She later kept a special interest in Tomaso, she asked about his progress, and I am sure that she will continue to act as his guardian angel and godmother for him throughout the worlds of God.
For me, Anne was always special because she was a member of that happy few, that band of brothers and sisters who were present at the fireside in Ancaster in 1973 where I declared my belief in Baha'u'llah. I was pleased to hear that the speaker at that fireside, Gordon Naylor, will be reading a prayer for her at the graveside. A spiritual circle is closing for me, but I am certain that another, larger circle is opening up. Anne's spiritual influence will only increase now that she is unhindered by a "mortal coil."
John Taylor
email: badijet@gmail.com
blog: http://badiblog.blogspot.com/
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