Obituary of Irene Marion Whiteside

Irene M. (Nicholson) Whiteside, formerly of Saint John, passed away at her residence, the Parkland Shannex Canterbury Hall in Riverview, NB, on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at age 95. She was born in Coldstream, NB on January 4, 1918 to George A. and Susan (Estabrooks) Nicholson. She was the last living member of the third generation of the Nicholson family who immigrated to Lake George, NB from the Isle of Skye, Scotland. Irene graduated from Hartland High School and went to work as a switchboard operator with the New Brunswick Telephone Co. in Hartland. She then moved to Saint John where she continued her career with NB Tel in the business office for 37 years. At the end of World War II she volunteered for one year with the St. John Ambulance Brigade in London, England. She loved to travel and visit with friends and family. She looked forward to her semi-annual reciprocal visits with her sister Izetta and her husband Stanley in the Boston area. She was a warm and wonderful hostess in her homes in Saint John and we will all cherish our visits with her over the years. She had an outgoing, engaging personality. Before and upon retirement, she enjoyed travelling abroad with her many dear friends, some of which she still has today. She was an active member of the Telephone Pioneers. She was predeceased by her husband Dr. Antony Whiteside in 1962, as well as her sister Izetta, and 5 brothers, Donald, Harold, John, Lloyd and Kenneth. "Aunt" Irene, an esteemed cool aunt, will be dearly missed by her nieces and nephews; Fred Reis of Washington, DC, Donnie (Judy) Nicholson of Rockland, NB, Barbara (Roy) Layte of Hartland, NB, Terry (Keith) Logan of Estey's Bridge, NB, Harold Nicholson of Hartland, NB, Stacy Nicholson (Scott Armstrong) of Moncton, NB with whose family she resided most of the past two years, and Tony Nicholson of Moncton, NB, as well as several grand nieces and nephews, and cousins. Many thanks to all who were involved in her care over the past year, your care and concern was much appreciated, a special thank you to Jackie, she appreciated your dedication to her as we all did. In keeping with Irene's wishes, no formal funeral services will be held. Interment will take place at a later date in Fernhill Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances to any charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). Online condolences and remembrances may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.