Nancy H. Nichols, retired nurse, veteran
Nancy H. Nichols, 91, of Broadkill Beach, died peacefully after a lengthy illness Wednesday, Dec 5, 2012, at Harbor Healthcare in Lewes.
Born Jan. 11, 1921, in Elizabeth, N.J., Nancy was the daughter of the late Howard W. and Ann (Baer) Huntley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 38 years, Lewis R. “Nick” Nichols in 1994; and infant daughter, Lois A. Nichols in 1956.
Nancy attended Beaver College in Pennsylvania prior to attending and graduating from the Delaware Hospital School of Nursing in Wilmington. Her 50-year career in nursing began in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps during World War II and continued through the Korean War where her tours of duty included Delaware, Korea, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Texas. It was during this period that she specialized in psychiatric nursing that she continued in throughout her career.
After being honorably discharged from the Army, Nancy returned to the private sector where she cared for those in hospitals in Wichita Falls, Texas, Coatesville, Pa. and at Delaware State Hospital in Wilmington, where she also worked as an instructor for student nurses until retiring. After retirement, Nancy worked in outpatient services in Corpus Christi, Texas, Orlando, Fla. and Dover. She obtained her nursing degree from Glassboro State College in 1974.
Nancy dearly loved her family and friends, enjoying many special occasions with them throughout the years. She also enjoyed traveling, attending musical and theater events, involvement in local politics, and watching baseball and golf. Though her journeys took her many places, she always returned to Delaware that she considered her home. A life-long Episcopalian, she was a member of St. George’s Chapel in Harbeson.
Nancy leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Ann D. Nichols of Broadkill Beach, along with several extended family members and friends. She will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.
The family wishes to extend its sincere thanks for the care and comfort provided by Christiana Hospital, Milford Center, Milford Hospital, Griswold Home Care, Harbor Healthcare, Delaware Hospice and Vitas along with the loving support provided by family and friends throughout this journey.
A celebration of her life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 12, at St. George’s Chapel, 20274 Beaver Dam Road, Harbeson, where friends may call from noon to 1 p.m. Interment will follow in All Saints’ Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Nancy Nichols may be made to St. George’s Chapel, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
Arrangements handled by Short Funeral Services, Milton.
