Obituary of Lillian Gussie Handrigan

HANDRIGAN, Lillian Gussie "Nan" July 20, 1941 – February 15, 2023 passed peacefully, in her 82nd year surrounded by her family. Lillian was predeceased by her parents, John “Badda” & Francis (Grammy) and her brother Morgan, from Grand Bank Newfoundland. Survived by her sister Shirley Mavin (Don, predeceased), Aunt Vera, nephew Murray (Elaine), niece Donna (Greg) and nephew Greg (Trina). Forever our mom, she will be missed by her four children; John Nickerson (Kim), Laural Cote (Marc), Susan Ritcey, Allan Nickerson (Sherry), nine grandchildren; Natalie (Scott), John, Thasha (Haileluel),Jessica (Tim), Sydney, Brook-Lynne, Katherine (Liam), Haley (Colin), Aidan and Ella, and ten great-grandchildren; Evelyn & Ash, Nahom & Senai, Lily, Ava & Lucas, Audrey, Amelia & Odin and countless friends whom she regarded as part of our family. When Lillian was 17 years old she moved from the tiny village of Grand Bank Newfoundland to the big city of Halifax. While working at Dalhousie University, she met Allan Nickerson and together they raised 4 children. They were married for a short time, and remained friends until Allan’s death in 2015. Lillian, a life-long care giver, loved her career at Northwood care facility in Halifax. She worked there for several decades before retiring in 2000. Although she spent most of her life in Halifax, she remained a true and proud Newfoundlander and never lost her twang. Nan was a speed demon behind the wheel and spent much time driving around the province to spend time with her loved ones, always showing up with a bag of groceries or freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Mom, always in an apron, believed food and cooking showed her love for her family – there was so much “love” it caused most of us to gain a bit of weight! She loved her children dearly but loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren even more. She had very special bonds with them and held their secrets until the end. She loved to share her opinion - whether she was asked to or not - and usually used her “favorite” word while doing so. She had a wonderful, quick, snappy sense of humor that she shared regularly and will be deeply missed. She was feisty until the end. In keeping with Lillian's deep faith and wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life will take place at Port Wallis United Church, 263 Waverley Road, Dartmouth, March 3, 2023, at 11:00am, with Rev. Ivan Gregan officiating. The service will also be available via zoom, please see portwallisunitedchurch.ca for details. A reception will be held immediately following. Interment will follow, at Mt. Hermon Cemetery, 139 Victoria Road, Dartmouth, everyone is welcomed. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to Northwood Inc. in Halifax, www.northwood.care, or do something kind for someone unexpectedly, as Nan always did. The family wishes to thank Dr. Don MacDonald and staff from Eastern Shore Memorial Hospital for comforting our mom in her final days. Lillian’s love, kindness, and caring will always be remembered and cherished. The Handrigan family motto is “An Uachtar” which means “The Champion”, she truly was a champion to her family and all who knew her. Rest in peace mom.