Florence Emma Nichols

Florence Nichols earned a B.A. from McMaster University in 1934 and began a career in education that spanned nearly four decades, as a teacher of French and physical education. Before retiring, she worked with the Etobicoke Board of Education to establish its French Immersion program. A niece, Cecilia Nichols, describes her aunt as a remarkable, Christian woman. “She was upright, old fashioned, competent and very much in touch with the world. You definitely behaved yourself around her.” Miss Nichols was a Waterdown resident who led an active social life and enjoyed hosting tea parties in the spring on her four acre field of trilliums. “My aunt was active to the very end. She traveled until well into her 80s. She belonged to a French club, taught Sunday school, did most of her own gardening and attended St. James United Church.” A supporter of several charities in her will, Miss Nichols remembered the Foundation with a bequest.

Excerpt from 1996-1997 Annual Report