Obituary of Nicole Rod

Nicole (Nickie) Rod, 85, of Beamsville, Ontario, passed awaypeacefully on October 6, 2023.

Nickie is survived by her sons, Michel of Hampton, New Brunswick and Peter (Andrea), of St. Catharines, Ontario and former Daughter-in-Law, Susan of Ottawa, Ontario.  Loving nanny to Aidan (Renee), Zoe, and Gemma. Cherished baby sister to brothers Bernard, Jacques (Marguerite), and Michel Simonnet. She is predeceased and now reunited with her beloved husband of 46 years, Brian.

Nickie was born in Paris, France to Marie-Therèse and Roger Simonnet on July 18, 1938. She met the love of her life, Brian,on a beach in Weymouth, England whilst visiting a friend with whom she was studying languages with. Nickie arrived in Canada in 1966 and resided most of her life in Petawawa andPembroke. Although she often talked of wanting to be a translator at the UN, she ended up a loyal and respected employee for over three decades in the Human Resources department at Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories. Although Nickie never got used to the cold Canadian winters, she always enjoyed the tranquility and natural beauty of the Ottawa Valley. She dearly loved and was so proud of her sons, daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren. She also had endless love and cuddles for the five dogs she owned through the years: Jason,Nanette, Mandy, Tessa, and Morgan. Nickie was an excellent baker and dessert maker, and a fine dancer. She loved dancing to Toto’s Africa, so you might think of her next time you hear this song. We played one of her favourite arias - Delibes: Lakmé - Duo des Fleurs in her final minutes of consciousness so she would have beautiful music to accompany her on her final journey. We will miss her dearly but are comforted in the fact she is now reunited with her husband and brothers in a most beautiful place where winters are warm and the sun always shines.

The family will be celebrating Nickie’s life with a small, private gathering. We appreciate your kind thoughts and prayers. In lieu of flowers, please make a one-time donation to Plan Canada at www.plancanada.ca/donate. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Aidan Jeffrey and the staff of The Foxview Retirement Community in Ottawa and The Jacob Senior Living Residence in Beamsville. The entire care team was vital to preserving mom’s comfort and dignity right through the final moments.