Ann Krishna Reti Nicholas, aged 69 years, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on 16 July 2020.

Otherwise known as Kris, Krishna, Krissy, Aunty Krissy, or her favorite, Mamma; our Mum was born on 14 April 1951 in Kawhia, New Zealand to Elsie Ouida Anderson Reti and James New Year Reti as the fourth child of eight.

She spent most of her early years in Hamilton, New Zealand, and attended Hamilton East Primary School, and then Peach Grove Intermediate. She attended Church College of New Zealand, where she formed many precious friendships that lasted even until today.

Mum met her sweetheart Joseph Micheal Tio Nicholas as he was walking through a park on his way home from work, after they were eyeing each other on the city bus. They were married on 16 August 1969, then sealed in the New Zealand temple on 24 December 1971.

They raised their family in the Temple View community near the New Zealand temple and CCNZ, before emigrating to the United States in 1980. They eventually settled in Orem, Utah, where she became a dental assistant and later a dental assistant instructor at Provo College.

Mum was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and held many callings within the stake and ward. She loved the opportunities to work hard alongside her neighbors and friends. Her favorite calling was working in the nursery with the sweet little ones. Her faith in God, the Gospel, and the Atonement carried her and her family through numerous difficulties, and through the last few months of her life.

She loved to play the ukulele, to write letters and journal. She enjoyed a good conversation, moko (grandchild) cuddles, attending moko’s school events, and taking care of her family. She especially loved kaimoana (seafood) fresh from the ocean. Her children and moko were her life, and though we encouraged her to move back “home”, she refused to leave her family.

She is survived by her sweetheart and husband Joe, and their children: Mark Nicholas, Cary J (Amanda) Nicholas, Gabriel Nicholas, Tammy (Greg) Annis, and Sarah Nicholas; siblings Ouida Mills, Ora (Hinja) Reti Poto, Rina (Richie) Reti, Douglas “Bob” (Sheryll) Reti, and Sheryl (George) Ferguson; and numerous beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Jim and Elsie, her baby older brother Jimmy, and baby sister Naomi.

Mum’s service will be held on Wednesday, 22 July 2020 at Nelson Family Mortuary (4780 N University Ave, Provo, UT 84604). A viewing will be held that morning from 9:00-10:45am, and the funeral service at 11:00am. Mum will be interred at Orem City Cemetery (1520 N 800 E, Orem, UT 84097) immediately after the service. Following the interment, a late lunch will be provided by the Park 5th Relief Society at the SCERA Park main pavilion (600 S State Street, Orem, UT). The pavilion is next to the pool. We welcome those who wish to attend.

Due to COVID concerns, we respectfully request that those who attend follow health recommendations regarding masks and social distancing. Our family respects our kaumatua (elders), whanau (family), friends and your health and expect the same.

Those who cannot attend due to distance, travel restrictions, or health concerns, we welcome you to join us via a link to a live webcast at

www.nelsonmortuary.com

Services

Services Handled By

Nelson Family Mortuary
4780 N University Ave
Provo, UT

Life Story Info

Post Date

Jul 20, 2020

Personal Info

Age

69
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Guestbook

I was in Krisha's class for several years at primary school. She was a tiny eflin child with a sweet lovely personality. We sometimes spent a lunch or teabreak together. Occasionally Krishna would arrive at school without shoes and on one such occasion I remember giving her a piggy back ride. I don't recall if there was flooding after torrential summer rainfall, or if we needed to skirt a patch of winter frost to get to the classroom. The winter wind used to cut like a knife straight from Pirongia and the frost lay on the playground long after it had melted elsewhere. My sister Margaret is 3 years older and remembers being called to the office and asked to walk Krisha home when she fell ill during a German measles epidemic. She remembers one of Ktishna's elder sisters. I was not in Krishnas class at Intermediate so lost contact with her after primary school. I thought of her from time to time and wondered about her life. I am so very happy to read that she has had a happy and fulfilled life. Although sad that she has passed. During the last week Krishna came vividly to mind when Margaret and I were reminiscing about our schooldays. I was worried about what had happened to her and am glad to celebrate her life now after reading her obituary. I have 3 sons and 2 baby granddaughters. My husband Ian passed away 21 years ago. God bless you all. We would be happy to share our memories of Ham East School.

Gwenda Ware nee Aldridge , Hamilton, Wailato, NZ Jul 23, 2020

Kris was my teacher at Provo College and she changed my life and I have often thought of her these last 18 years. She was an amazing person and I send my condolences to her family. She will be greatly missed.

Melanie Nichols Shaw , Orem, UT, US Jul 22, 2020

My deepest condolences to my whanaunga Joe and whanau, sorry to hear of the loss of your wife R.I.P Kris. Kia kaha Bro thinking of you and your whanau at this sad time.

Mangu Tawa Jul 22, 2020

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