MRS. ELIZABETH NICOLSON LANIER of Lethbridge passed away peacefully on Monday, May 5, 2008 at the age of 84 years.

Elizabeth was born in Smiths Fall, Ontario and loved her years growing up in the lake country. Her claim to fame came at a very young age when her Mother entered her photo in a beauty contest and she won! She followed in her father's footsteps, a bank manager, by working at the Bank of Nova Scotia, head office, in downtown Toronto in the bond department. In 1950 she married Lou Lanier and they lived in Newmarket, Ontario while he taught at Pickering College. They moved to Wilson Siding in 1953 to farm, raise their family and be active members in the Lethbridge community. Thus began her great appreciation of the prairie landscape.

Liz had a great love of music, dance and fine arts which led to her volunteer work during the early years of Muriel Jolliffe's 'Evening of Dance', the Alberta Ballet Company and as a docent at the Art Gallery of Alberta in Edmonton. Her love of art extended to her love of beauty in nature and as her son, Robert, said - she loved arranging a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Her strength of character, determination and leadership qualities showed in her years travelling around Alberta compiling business data for Henderson's Business Directory. Wherever she was, she created a friendly and welcoming home.

Liz lived at the Pemmican Lodge in her senior years and was very appreciative of all the staff and the community of friends there.

A devoted mother who was always full of fun and laughter, she is survived by daughter Sherry, sons Thomas, James and Robert. She was predeceased by her sister Jockie and her brother Murray Nicolson.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at the BUCHANAN CHAPEL, 1011 - 4 Ave South, Lethbridge.

Donations in Liz's memory may be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960 - 19 Street South, Lethbridge, T1J 1W5, as she had been a very active volunteer with the Auxiliary for many years.