June 2, 1930 – September 14, 2026
Isabel Frances (Nichol) Kozicki, 96, died peacefully at the WRHN at Midtown (Grand River Hospital) in the early morning hours of Monday, September 14, 2026, with family at her side.
Beloved wife of 53 years to the late Harry Kozicki (2019) whom she married on February 19, 1966. Dear mother of her son, Gregory, whose loving care, companionship, and comfort brought her both joy and peace.
She was the eldest daughter of six children, William L. (1978) and Hildred (Alexander) Nichol (1973) and grew up on a dairy farm near Newry, attending school in Atwood and Listowel through the Depression and WWII.
Isabel is survived by her sisters Grace (the late Ed, 2018) Rothwell and Marion (Roy) McKay.
She was predeceased by her sisters Marilyn Morris (2006), Margaret Nichol (2007) and brother Alexander Nichol (2012), her sister-in-law Beverley Nichol (2025) and brother-in-law Archie Morris (2015). Isabel was also predeceased by her in-laws, Stephan and Maria (Prokopenko) Kozicki, brother-in-law Nick Kozicki, and sisters-in-law Jennie (Peter) Chuipak, Anne (Howard) Knill, Stella (John) Vinnai, Linda Vinnai, Karen McLeod, Maria Munro and Shirley Rathwell.
Fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, who were sure to get a welcome phone call from Aunt Isabel to celebrate their birthdays or anniversaries.
For three years, Isabel underwent rigorous hands-on hospital training, wore the traditional white uniform and cap, and lived in the nurses’ residences at the K-W Hospital School of Nursing. She created strong, lifelong bonds of friendship with fellow classmates. Isabel graduated as a Registered Nurse in the Class of 1951. Members of the graduating class hosted annual reunions for more than 69 years, to celebrate their shared training and careers, including a widely celebrated 65th anniversary reunion in September 2016. Isabel provided compassionate care as a nurse in Lindsay for 4 years and at the KW Hospital/Grand River Hospital for almost 40 years. She was a Past President of the K-W Nurse’s Alumni.
Beyond her profession, she was a Life Member of the New Dundee Women’s Institute, taught 4H Clubs, joined the Mannheim Walkers, and the Red Hat Group.
Isabel was a faithful serving member of the Atwood and then the Calvin Presbyterian Church (Kitchener), serving as a member of the Pastoral Care Committee for many years.
Her hands were always busy with roses in the garden, baking, knitting, crocheting, and embroidery work. She revelled in the coming together of family, whether it be reunions or big Christmas gatherings where she would reconnect with everyone and meet the newly born members of the growing extended family. Over the years, Isabel and Harry had the joy of attending more than 50 weddings celebrating love, laughter, family and the beginning of so many beautiful journeys together.
Many thanks to the staff at Winston Park and the PSWs from Care Partners for their care and support, especially Karen Herteis, who provided cherished companionship to Isabel. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Zhu and the nurses and staff at WRHN @ Midtown (formerly Grand River Hospital) for their dedicated and compassionate care.
Isabel’s family received relatives and friends at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo for visitation on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 5 – 8 PM and on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 1 – 2 PM prior to the funeral. The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. Mark Gedcke in the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, September 19 at 2 PM, with a reception immediately followed in the Fireside Reception Room at the funeral home. Interment following the reception was at the Elma Centre Cemetery, 6466 75 Line, Atwood.
Condolences for the family and memorial donations to the WRHN Foundation or Calvin Presbyterian Church may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.
