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NICHOLE RIESE
1959 - 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our sister, Nichole Riese, on April 1, 2022.
A loving daughter, sister, niece, aunt, and caring doctor, Nichole leaves to mourn her loving partner Pascal; siblings, Michael (Michelle), Geralyn Riffel (Robert) and Marc (Susanne); nieces, nephews, many cousins, aunts, uncles and close friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, Karl and Carmel Riese.
Nichole's medical career spanned some 35 years, from volunteering in Jamaica, Burundi, Chad, and Haiti; to working in northern Quebec; Kenora; and back in Winnipeg at Ongomiizwin Health (formerly Northern Medical Unit, Health Sciences Centre) and finally at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.
Nichole's passion was towards serving the poor, teaching, and striving for social justice and she made this the focus of her career. She was a very giving person; she cared for people she met and cared for the environment. She deeply cared for the people served by Main Street Project, which she supported by volunteering with their foodbank and serving on their Board until her ALS diagnosis in 2019.
Nichole enjoyed her leisure time gardening, cooking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, camping, cross-country skiing, and swimming with her many friends and family.
The family sends their heartfelt thanks to Nichole's wonderful homecare workers who cared for her during her last months. Thanks also to Dr. Bruce Martin, Dr. Kim Wiebe, Mark Barrett, as well as the Health Sciences Centre Organ Transplant team.
A private celebration of Nichole's life will take place at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Main Street Project, Winnipeg, or Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières, Toronto.
Condolences and memories may be shared and Nichole's Life story can be viewed at www.alternacremation.ca.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 09, 2022
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
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I have fond memories of Nicole from her Kenora days. She was a wonderful person, compassionate and driven towards social justice. She made such a contribution to this world. May she Rest In Peace. - Posted by: Melody Anderson (Former co-worker) on: Apr 27, 2022
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Many memories at the lake...all the great times! My condolences to your entire family for the loss of Nichole. - Posted by: Colleen Matthews (Friend ) on: Apr 25, 2022
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So very sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Riese. My daughter suffered from a drug addiction and we were so lucky to cross paths with such a caring and wonderful doctor through AFM. I will always remember how compassionate and so very kind she was to my daughter. Please accept my deepest sympathies. - Posted by: Brenda Normand (aquaintance) on: Apr 18, 2022
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I had the pleasure of working for Nicole in Kenora for a few years. Everyone she came into contact with was treated equally. Nicole was a dedicated Doctor that had strong values and gave of herself 100% in whatever she undertook. Her passion for cooking, gardening, swimming, and life in general was a pleasure to watch and participate with. Her life was well lived. I know she will be missed by her family, friends and patients. Sincerely Linda (Casey) Mitchell - Posted by: Linda Mitchell (Co-worker and friend ) on: Apr 17, 2022
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It was with great sadness I heard about Nichole's passing. I was fortunate to meet her in 2004 when she interviewed me for my position at the Northern Medical Unit. She was an inspiring woman. Whatever she did she put her heart and soul into and she made the world a better place. My condolences to her partner, family, friends, and colleagues. She will be missed and remembered by many. - Posted by: Julie Creasey ((J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit)) on: Apr 16, 2022
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Tricia, our son Lev and myself offer our heartfelt condolences to our dear friend's family and to Pascal, who meant so much to her. Lev called her "Auntie" and her home was our home away from home in Winnipeg. Nichole inspired me so much, with her quiet resolve to do good things in the world. She "walked the walk" and only talked about it when necessary. By holding space for those who deserved and needed a voice, she taught by osmosis-just by knowing her and listening, (not to mention going through her book collection). I also cherished the bike rides, dinners and time reminiscing. Words failed all of us at the end of her life, so I just said "thank you for being my friend". - Posted by: Myles Blank (Friend and Med school classmate) on: Apr 15, 2022
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I met Nichole in 1977, we worked at Eaton's together and then attended medical school together cementing a life long friendship. My deepest sympathy to her family and Pascal, you made her life so meaningful. Nichole was the most thoughtful, righteous person I have ever met. The world was a better place because of her. I will miss her terribly and she leaves a big void in my heart Lana Lipkowitz - Posted by: Lana Lipkowitz (colleagues and friend) on: Apr 11, 2022
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Dear Nichole, Although our paths have crossed and moved away several times, I still remember you, your smile, kindness and intelligence. I was so pleased to welcome you in France, Mexico, England.. where my job was leading me away from you. I wish I could have be closer to you and see you again before you left us. I hope somewhere, sometime we can meet again. I send my deepest condolences to all your family and friends. Many people will miss you but your aura will last forever and even more in the hearts and bodies of all those you saved. May a good God take care of you now. RIP, Laurence - Posted by: Laurence Salloignon (oysel) (Good franchement friend) on: Apr 10, 2022
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Nichole's deep loyalty to family, friends and patients, her compassion and firm commitment to social justice, her incredible vitality and capacity to take on the challenges of life has touched many, many people. She was the consummate socially-conscious and active doctor. Thanks Nichole, for helping to make our world a little bit better in so many ways. - Posted by: George Fulford (Friend) on: Apr 09, 2022
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I enjoyed working with Nichole at the Addiction Foundation of Manitoba. She was immensely devoted to her patients and was an inspiration. She will be dearly missed. She was always willing to consult with me and I enjoyed talking to her. My condolences to family and friends. - Posted by: Donna Alden-Bugden (Colleague ) on: Apr 09, 2022
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I worked very closely with Nichole for at least 5 years leading up until summer of 2019 when she left the organization. She was such a kind, caring person. A wonderful physician, always taking the time and details with her patients. Great stories and always left you in awe of her athleticism, healthy way of life and love of nature. She biked or hiked everywhere! She was always aware of the world around her and those in need. Generous spirit and all around fantastic soul. I will miss her. Janet Am - Posted by: Janet Am (working in Addictions) on: Apr 09, 2022
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We always enjoyed Nichole's visits whenever she cycled by our house. She often brought friends. She was an interesting, caring compassionate person with many stories about her adventures. She will be sadly missed by many and kindly remembered by all. Rest in peace Nichole. - Posted by: Rene and Lori Ann Regnier (cousin) on: Apr 09, 2022
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Mike and Michelle, we are so sorry for your loss. Love and prayers. - Posted by: Gil & Deb Bernier (Friends) on: Apr 09, 2022
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