The Nicholls Family

 I got a note from Anne Venning (Stovell) asking me to post the obituaries of siblings John and Nancy Nicholls who were alumni of the early days of OCHS. Of course, the other sibling Ruth, taught for many years at OCHS, and her obituary is posted below as well. I was able to dig up this photo of the siblings all together.

Cousin Teri Normoyle is in the back row as well as Wayne Stovell (third from right, back row).

Here are the obituaries:

John Nicholls

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Samuel Nicholls, 72, on Monday, January 29, 2024 with his family by his side. John battled prostate cancer and bladder disease for several years. He is predeceased by his parents, Allan and Elizabeth. John is survived by his wife Margaret of 46 years, his children Andrew and his wife Heather and Alison and her husband Ian, his sisters Ruth and Nancy and his grandchildren Abigail and Henry. He was the brother-in-law of David and Catherine Lewis, Michael and Donna Lewis, Helen and the late Gordon Richardson, Monica Lewis, Stephen Lewis, Dianne Dunham and Phil Vinson. He will be missed by his cousins and many nieces and nephews. 

John was a dedicated and well-respected teacher and principal with the Durham Catholic School Board for 33 years. Physically active all his life, he was a member of the Oshawa Golf Club for 49 years and an avid gym participant, two activities which he greatly missed during his illness. John also had a keen interest in reading, music, especially jazz and travel. He was a devoted Leaf fan, rarely missing a game. John most treasured the time he was able to spend with his beloved grandchildren Abby and Henry. Many were impressed with his unwavering positive spirit and sense of humour during his battle with cancer.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the caring staff at the Lakeridge Cancer Centre and Pharmacy, especially Dr. Azi, Dr. Jadhav, Dr. Koll, Dr. Vieira and Dr. Wang. Thanks also to his Family Physician Dr. Nathoo and Home Care Nurse Alicia Bucknall for their support. We would also like to thank our family and friends who reached out to John during his difficult journey, especially his breakfast and book clubs, former school colleagues and his golf and gym buddies.

Nancy Nicholls

With heavy hearts, we share the sudden passing of Nancy Isobel Nicholls, 76, on Monday, February 23, 2026, at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto. Born in Oshawa, Nancy spent most of her adult life in the city she proudly called home, Toronto. She was predeceased by her parents, Allan and Elizabeth (Normoyle) Nicholls, her sister, Ruth, her brother, John, and her nephew Andrew. She will be deeply missed by her sister-in-law Margaret; her niece Alison and her husband Ian Dunn and their children Abigail and Henry; her niece-in-law Heather; the Normoyle and Nicholls families; and her many dear friends, colleagues, and former students. 

Nancy graduated from York University in 1972 with an Honours Bachelor of Arts and completed her Master of Social Work at the University of British Columbia in 1974. 

Nancy devoted the first 17 years of her career to social work, guiding and supporting individuals navigating complex challenges. In the second half of her professional life, she followed the path shared by her sister and brother and moved into education. For 22 years, she served as a faculty member in the Social Service Worker Program at Centennial College, where her knowledge, insight and support for her students left a lasting influence on many she taught. 

Nancy engaged fully in life. She loved movies, theatre, books, music, and sports – especially her beloved Toronto Blue Jays. She travelled all over the world, exploring new places with family and close friends. She was also a proud and dedicated member on the Board of the Liberal Party for University-Rosedale. Known for her kind-hearted and positive spirit, she met even life’s most difficult challenges with great resilience. Her strong social connections, unending optimism and unwavering faith enabled her to embrace life wholeheartedly. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Amnesty International Canada, Doctors Without Borders or a charity of your choice. 

A Funeral Mass followed by a reception will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 520 Sherbourne Street, Toronto. 

A private interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. 

in pace requiescat

William van Veghel RIP

 

Bill van Veghel was in the second class ever at Oshawa Catholic High. His sister Mary was in the third year of the existence of the high school. By the time that I got there, his younger brother Marty was attending also. Here is his obituary:

VEGHEL, William “Bill” van Veghel

August 11, 1949 - March 2, 2026

VEGHEL, William “Bill” van Veghel

Passed away peacefully at home, with family by his side, on Monday, March 2, 2026; he was 76 years old. Bill died as he lived; with strength, courage, dignity, and on his own terms. He was a husband, Father, and Opa, and will be remembered as a moral, just, and most of all, loving man. Beloved son of Aloysius and Anna van Veghel (née Berkers). Dearly beloved husband of 58 years to Linda. Always present and loving Father of William (Jenn), Carrie, Scott, Lee (Tania), and predeceased by Jay. Cherished Opa of Jayla, Tristan, Saoirse, Padraic, and Ella. Dear brother of Mary, Liz, Martin, Anne, Louise, and Cathy. He will be missed by all nieces and nephews, family and friends (especially Barry and Joe). Bill was born in Helmond, Noord Brabant, the Netherlands, and immigrated to Canada as a young boy. He was a graduate of Paul Dwyer Catholic High School, earned his undergraduate degree at York University, and his Master’s Degree in Economics at Queens University. He began his career as an Economist at Bell Canada, while still on teaching faculty at McGill University, and then York University. He moved to Ontario Hydro, where he worked for most of his career as an HR director. He moved to the IMO when Hydro deregulated, and retired from the IESO, determined to spend as much time as possible with his grandchildren. After his cancer diagnosis, Bill and Linda traveled, before settling on the deck to enjoy watching the grandchildren play in the pool. He was a devoted husband, a strong and protective tour de force for his children, and a present and supportive grandfather for his grandchildren, his shining lights. He strove to do the right thing, always.

To paraphrase Robert Frost, the woods are lovely, dark and deep. You kept your promises, and have earned your sleep. Rest in peace, and remember the love that surrounds you. Hug Jay for us.

Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME 847 King Street, West on Monday, March 9, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church (91 Ribblesdale Drive, Whitby) on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 10:30 am. Interment to follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery (355 Taunton Road, East, Whitby).

In Leiu of flowers donations may be made to Sick Kids and Holland Bloorview Kids rehabilitation Hospital.

in pace requiescat

Oshawa Times Archives - February 21, 1964, OCHS will cost $1,000,000 to build

 I found this article about Oshawa Catholic High School in the Oshawa Times archives from February 21, 1964. The separate school board agreed to build the school at the corner of Rossland & Stevenson Road with the cost of one million dollars. The Oshawa parishes would kick in $500,000 and the Sisters of Saint Joseph kicked in over $500,000 when it was all said and done. Believe it or not, there was some opposition to the building of the school. This was my alma mater and I'm glad that it was built. The education there was second to none.

Frank Zochodne (R.I.P.)

Frank Zochodne Obituary

Passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday January 5, 2026 at the age of 73 years.  Loved and missed by his wife Anne (nee Fraser) and by their children Leah Allen (Neil), Brittany Ruest (Steve), Stefan Zochodne (Mona) and Nathan Zochodne (Amanda).  Cherished grandpa of Gavin Zochodne, Brody and FColby Allen, Niamh and Roisin Ruest and Nora and Hazel Zochodne.  Also remembered by his brothers Doug (Barbe) and Rob (Kristen) and by all of his brothers and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.  

Frank was a passionate teacher and Principal with the Durham Catholic District School Board. Beyond the classroom, Frank found joy in music, sharing his talent as a wonderful guitarist and singer with family, friends and the wider community, where he would influence many people with his love for music. Frank had an unmistakable sense of humor. Known for his dry wit and love of a good joke, he had a gift for making people smile, even in the most ordinary moments. The family home was always filled with music, echoed by the laughter of his children and grandchildren Frank so dearly loved.  

Relatives and friends are invited to call at Low & Low Funeral Home, 1763 Reach Street, Port Perry on Sunday January 11, 2026 from 1:00 – 5:00 PM.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Parish, 1710 Scugog Street Port Perry on Monday January 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM.  Reception will follow at the funeral home.