Nicole Shaver (nee Pinkney)

October 4, 1967 - June 17, 2019
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Nicole Shaver after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
Lisa Nicole Pinkney was born in Berkeley, California to Bruce and Rosalie Pinkney and was the oldest of four children. She moved with her parents to Winnipeg, Manitoba on January 1st, 1970 and grew up there.
From an early age, Nicole took violin lessons and eventually became the Concertmaster of the Winnipeg Youth Orchestra and the University of Manitoba Symphony. She graduated in 1989 from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Music (Performance) and went on to become a member of the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra (17 years), the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (16 years) and the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra (12 years).
In 1989, Nicole met the love of her life, David Shaver, and they were married in June 1990 in the Idaho Falls Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She believed that her marriage was not "until death do us part", but is eternal. Nicole and David welcomed three beautiful children into their family - Wesley, Michelle and Ian.
In 2005, the family moved to Vernon, BC for Dave's work. Nicole took the opportunity to go back to school and completed a Bachelor of Education from UBCO in 2007, and a Master of Elementary Education from the University of Alberta in 2013. Nicole was an elementary school music teacher in Vernon School District 22 for 10 years before her health stopped her from working. When asked what her dream job would be, Nicole replied that she was lucky enough to have had her two dream jobs - musician and teacher.
Nicole was most passionate about her family. She enjoyed spending time with her children - reading to them even when they were teenagers, and doing various activities with them. She was also passionate about lifelong learning and tried to set an example of this for her family by making the most of every opportunity that came her way - from trying new recipes to changing careers. In fact, Dave often thought she was too busy! Her hobbies included reading, sewing, crafting, baking, staying active and spending time with family and friends.
In 2010 Nicole was chosen as a torchbearer for the Vancouver Olympics, and in her 40's she started running. She ran in 4 half marathons and swam in the Across the Lake Swim on Okanagan lake. She was still running three times a week when she was diagnosed with cancer in November 2016.
Nicole was pre-deceased by her mother Rosalie in 1993; mother-in-law Ruth Shaver in 2018; sister-in-law Norine in 2006; and brother-in-law Darrel in 2017. She leaves behind her wonderful husband, David; children Wesley (Courtney) Shaver of Vernon; Michelle (Nicolas) Alfaro of Lake Country; Ian Shaver of Vernon; father Bruce (Ellen) Pinkney of Edmonton; sister Colette Chalier of Alexandria, Virginia; sister Cheryl (Alain) Zumbach of Raymond, Alberta; brother Kevin (Linda) Pinkney of Alexandria, Virginia; numerous fabulous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the many, many people who supported Nicole through her illness by praying, providing meals, visiting her in Vernon, Vancouver and Seattle, driving to appointments, calling, texting, walking and hanging out with her.
A Celebration of Life is planned for 11 am, June 29th, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1506 35 St, Vernon, BC. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation.
Arrangements have been made with
Bethel Funeral Chapel Ltd.,
5605 27th Street, Vernon, B.
Bethel Funeral Chapel Ltd