Cora Jutras (nee Irwin-Nickel)

April 21, 1917 - February 3, 2007

Peacefully, with family at her side on February 3rd 2007 at Carman Memorial Hospital Cora passed away at the age of 89. Cora was born in Morden and was the sixth of eleven children. She was predeceased by her father David H. Irwin and her mother Nettie Gertrude Irwin (nee Madden), her children Shawn and Sharon, her brothers Wilbert, Everett, Gordon and sisters Reita, Olive and Vera Jean. She leaves to mourn her passing her children Bensa Allison (Ray), Gerald Nickel (Cheryl), and Linda Swain (Bob). She also leaves her surviving family consisting of her sister Phyllis Johnston (nee Irwin) and brothers Garnett (Heather), Lawrence (Fran) and Raymond (Audrey). She also will be sadly missed by grandchildren Brent Allison (Barbara), Bryan Allison, Douglas Allison and Lori Payette (Paul), Shawn Nickel (Rochelle), Steven Nickel, and Jeremy Nickel as well as Cynthia Hodges (Doug). Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her greatest joy. She sadly leaves Chad, Nicole, Jared, Nathan, Amy, Cody, Michael and Adam and baby Isabelle. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.

Cora took her schooling up to grade eight and then went to work doing live-in housekeeping and care giving. Prior to finishing school she married Benjamin Nickel and had five children, the youngest being twins who lived only a couple of days. She worked hard along Ben’s side to grow Nickel’s Furniture Factory, which sold custom furniture to places such as Simpson’s Sears. Later in their marriage there was a separation and she went to work for the optometrist in Carman and did light housekeeping in Pilot Mound. Ben was killed in a car accident after twenty-two years of marriage in 1960. These were difficult years but she was a feisty person whose determination and strong work ethic helped her get through some tenuous times.

When she was 39 she completed her high school equivalency and took her nurses training, got her drivers license and bought a car. She worked at the Winnipeg General (Health Sciences Centre), The Women’s Pavilion, St. Jean Baptiste Clinic, and Pilot Mound and Morris Hospitals. While working in Morris she met and married Peter Jutras. This marriage ended in divorce. Her nursing career was a great source of pride and satisfaction for her and lasted from 1956 until 1977. She had good friend and co-workers at that time and had a good social life. She liked curling, bowling, oil painting, collecting stamps and loved reading.  She was also a long time active member of the Legion. When she retired due to injury she became a Genealogist and left her family with many years of precious family history.

She loved the music and good times that her large family afforded her which left her with fond memories of growing up. The family wishes to thank staff and companions at Boyne Lodge and Carman Hospital who cared for her when her health failed. Deepest thanks are extended to Dr. Barnes whom she adored and trusted and who was unfailing with herself and family.

Cremation has taken place and a family celebration of her life will follow with interment at a later date in the Morden Cemetery. Doyle’s Funeral Home in care of arrangements. www.doyleschapels.com