WASILLA, AK — Joan Nichols, 85, passed away Jan. 22, 2016 at Mat-Su Regional after a brief illness. Joan was born November 12, 1930 in St. John, New Brunswick, to Robert and Dora DeBow.
Joan Nichols |
She married the love of her life, Frank Nichols on June 9, 1950 and they attended Zion Bible Institute together. They lived together in Caribou, and later New Sweden, Maine for many wonderful years. After Frank’s passing, Joan moved to Connecticut for a few years, and then in 2003 she settled in Wasilla as one of the first residents in the Wasilla Senior Campus apartments. She attended Wasilla Bible Church with her daughter and family, was a Vacation Bible School teacher, and helped with other childcare opportunities through the church (MOPS).
Joan loved animals and always had a pet to love and keep her company. She wrote that she believed her calling in life was to be a wife and mother because she felt so fulfilled in these roles. Her family would wholeheartedly agree with these sentiments, and would add grandmother to the list! She was a voracious reader, loved puzzles, crocheting, cross stitch, an exceptional cook, and delighted in watching birds. Throughout her life, she held a strong Christian faith.
Joan is survived by four of her children, Brenda Bergen, Rick Nichols, Becky Nichols and Doreen Schumacher; grandchildren, Jennifer Teuber, Allison Bergen, and Zachary Bergen, Isaac Nichols, Gus Schumacher, and Jonas Schumacher; and two great-grandchildren, Josh and Nicholas Teuber. She is predceeded by her husband, Frank Nichols (1-2-99) and son, Philip Nichols (2-16-95).
A July Memorial service will be planned in New Sweden, date upcoming.