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JOANNE LEIGH NICHOLS
Born: Aug 28, 1959
Date of Passing: Dec 16, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOANNE LEIGH NICHOLS
Joanne Leigh Nichols passed away, surrounded by family in the comfort of her home, on December 16th, 2024, at the age of 65 years.
Joanne was born on August 28th, 1959, in Winnipeg. She attended Dieppe Elementary School and Charleswood Collegiate. After graduating, she obtained her realtor license and also worked at Corydon Animal Hospital where she first met Frank in 1978. Joanne and Frank married in 1982 and moved to Brandon with her horse, Jet, and two dogs. They purchased 80 acres west of Brandon, and moved to the acreage in 1995. Together, they raised four children, as well as Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, Welsh Ponies, sheep, pigs, and chickens. Joanne had a special love for all animals, especially newborns.
Joanne’s passion for dogs led to breeding imported British Golden Retrievers and Chihuahuas from Italy. New puppy owners entrusted Joanne and Frank with all their pets' needs, and so the Nichols’ Bed and Biscuit was established in the early 2000s. This venture was just the beginning of Joanne’s dream.
Her drive for excellence and innovative entrepreneurship founded the creation of The Paw Resort & Wellness Centre. Joanne’s grand vision of luxury pet care, offering boarding, grooming, daycare, and training services became a reality in 2011. Her state-of-the-art facility set a new standard that transformed the pet care industry in southwestern Manitoba. Her pioneering efforts and mastery in her field were recognized over the years with numerous accolades, including the Brandon Chambers of Commerce’s Outstanding New Business in 2014 and the Large Business Excellence Award in 2024. She was also celebrated by the Brandon Suns’ Westman Readers’ Choice Awards as the Most Wonderful Resident, Most Wonderful Brandonite, and Most Wonderful Business Person.
The Paw Resorts’ motto, "because they are family too," extended beyond the pets in her care to the staff that she loved, mentored, and supported. The success of The Paw Resort was not just in its services, but in the relationships she cultivated and the trust she earned. As her clients’ pets flourished, so did her pride in the work she did, and in the community she helped build.
Joanne focused on making the world a better place for animals and the people who loved them. Even during cancer treatments, she remained committed to pursuing innovative advancements to enrich the lives of pets and their families.
Joanne was truly one of a kind; no one will ever be able to replicate the remarkable impact she had in her field and community. Her legacy will continue to inspire, and her love, compassion, and drive will forever be missed. A special place in our hearts will always be held for our Jo, our mom, and our friend.
Joanne will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Frank; her parents, John and Marilyn McBride; her sister, Bonnie Zak (Dominique Greboval); and her children, Katherine (Brent Perrin), Amie (Jeremiah Marsh), Cailey (Steve Ardiel), and Andrew (Jessica Connolly).
A Celebration of Joanne’s Life will be held at The Paw Resort and Wellness Centre in the summer.
As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 04, 2025
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Lives this richly-lived are rare - may Joanne's be an example by which we can strive to live our own. My deepest condolences to her family. - Posted by: Paul Madryga (Friend) on: Jan 08, 2025
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I met Joanne after I started to take Katie to Frank she came to my rescue saying her and Frank had been discussing Katie's eyes in her eyes you could see how concerned she was for Katie. She ok offered to send for a wash for her tear ducks are not there therefore a smelly stain comes on her sweet face Joanne made sure I understood what Katie was going threw me. She was always asking about her when I saw her. A very devoted, lovely person - Posted by: Gail Rawluk (Owner of a dog she tried to help .Katie) on: Jan 07, 2025
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Joanne will always be remembered as a dedicated and empathetic animal lover, but I always wondered if she was aware of the effect she had on the people whose pet she cared for, including our family through Nikki. Although our visits were mostly brief and infrequent, we benefitted from every conversation and every minute we had with her. Our prayers and thoughts go out to Frank and the family. We are sorry for the loss you are feeling right now. Dwayne & Tina, Colin, Denis, Joel - Posted by: Dwayne and Tina Durand (Neighbor and Friend) on: Jan 07, 2025
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This indeed is sad news. My sympathies to Frank and the children and extended families. A very special exceptional life. Prayers. - Posted by: Donald Ross Finlay (Friend) on: Jan 06, 2025
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Joanne was one of the most dedicated animal lovers. Whenever I needed a place to leave my dogs, the only choice was The Paw because I knew they would be well cared for. On Good Friday in 2014 I called Joanne in the late evening to ask if she could help. I had a family emergency out of province and was leaving the next day. After telling her what was happening, I realized that because it was Easter she would be full. They were, but Joanne said to bring them out anyway. I was so thankful. I must express my deepest sympathy to Dr. Frank and family for your loss. Joanne was truly a special person and will be missed. Sincerely, Arlene Johnston - Posted by: Arlene Johnston (Client) on: Jan 04, 2025