Obituary of Katherine Graham Nickerson
In loving memory of Katherine Graham (Fisher) Nickerson.
With deep sadness, the family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Katherine (Kathy) Nickerson mourn her peaceful passing.
Katherine was born and raised in New Waterford, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, the cherished daughter of the late Victor and Alice Fisher, who instilled in her a lifelong passion for learning. Demonstrating remarkable determination and intellect, Katherine graduated from high school at just 16 and began her studies at Mount Allison University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English, a pursuit that set the foundation for her many years as an inspiring teacher.
Her career in education spanned numerous communities in Nova Scotia. After teaching in Middleton, Katherine met the love of her life John James Nickerson, a fellow schoolteacher in Annapolis Royal. They married in 1965 at the St. John Baptist Church in Middleton and soon after settled in Truro, where Katherine taught English at Onslow and John taught at Truro High School. Driven by a commitment to excellence in education, Katherine returned to Mount Allison University to pursue a Master’s degree in Education. She taught at the Nova Scotia Teacher’s College from 1968-78 as well as at other schools prior to retiring in Annapolis Royal. Throughout her career, she influenced countless students many of whom followed in her footsteps to become educators and community leaders.
Katherine’s life, though filled achievements, was also marked by hardship. In her late 30s, she courageously battled breast cancer, a struggle that echoed challenges faced by other loved ones and met it with strength, grace, and resilience.
She also had many interests. With her late husband, she enjoyed traveling, reading, theater, and fine dining. She also loved gardening, sewing, singing, and spending time with family and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband John Nickerson; her beloved daughter Nadine; her parents Victor and Alice Fisher; and her brother Ralph along with his wife Louise Fisher. She is survived by her brother Lorne Fisher and his partner Sharon Thien of Coquitlam, British Columbia as well as many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews from both the Fisher and Nickerson families.
Katherine’s final wish was to be cremated, with her ashes interred alongside those of her husband and daughter in Annapolis Royal. A celebration of her life will be held later this spring; further details will be announced by the Kaulbach Funeral Home in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations in Katherine’s memory be made to the Nova Scotia Cancer Society and Let Your Light Shine Jevon Link Society.