NICHOLLS, Dr. Laurie Ann

NICHOLLS, Dr. Laurie Ann - Surrounded by the love of her family and friends, Laurie Ann Nicholls passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2013 in London, Ontario, at the age of 62. Beloved mother of Blaine (Alison) MacDougald and Clayton MacDougald. Loved grandmother of Harrison and Jack. Dear sister of Ruth (Gary) Saunders and Blaine (Lise) Nicholls. Also survived by nephews Lee (Julie) Saunders, Tyler (Janneke) Nicholls and niece Kyla Nicholls. Sadly pre-deceased by her husband James Eadie, her brother Byron Nicholls and her parents Muriel and Lewis Nicholls. Born in Sudbury, Laurie had a life-long love of animals. After graduation from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, she established her own veterinary practice in London, where she compassionately cared for her “clients“ for more than 20 years. Laurie's practice was much more than a business to her; veterinary medicine was her true calling. Laurie had endless energy and balanced operating a successful business with being an active and supportive mom and a role model for her two sons, Blaine and Clayton. She always made time to drive her boys to their sports and enjoyed cheering for them in the stands. Laurie's home on Stephen Street in London is remembered as a hub of activity: a place of great parties, backyard bonfires, childhood sporting activities, construction projects, a haven for animals and the perpetual local neighbourhood hangout. Laurie loved spending time in her backyard, gardening and enjoying her pool. In later years, Laurie took up running and true to form, threw herself into it with full force. She quickly became a distance runner, who completed seven marathons and countless other races. She will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends. The family will receive friends at the HARRIS FUNERAL HOME, 220 St. James Street at Richmond Street, London, 519- 433-7253, on Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the METROPOLITAN UNITED CHURCH, 468 Wellington Street at Dufferin Avenue, on Wednesday, April 24 at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at WOODLAND CEMETERY, 493 Springbank Drive. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Animal Outreach, Non-profit High Volume Spay and Neuter Service Fund (www.animaloutreach.ca) would be appreciated. The family wishes to thank Dr. Noel Laporte, Dr. Karen Lo and the staff at McGarrell Place for their care and compassion. Special thanks to devoted friends and caregivers Victoria, Lee and Beth for their incredible dedication to Laurie and her family.