Patricia Ann Nichols, “Pat”, entered in to eternity peacefully on January 31, 2019, and to be reunited with her husband of 65 years.
Patricia, affectionately known as “Grandma Pat”, was born May 10, 1930 in Chicago, IL. She was the oldest of three children born to J. William and Lucille Ann Fleming. Pat earned her RN Degree from the St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Phoenix, AZ in 1952. In 1954 she married the love of her life, Col. Hubert C. Nichols, Jr. Hubert was shot down in North Vietnam in 1966 and is still listed as Missing in Action. Pat never remarried as she devoted the next 53 years of her life to raising her family.
Pat will be remembered for her patience, love and devotion to our Lord and her family, and the private and silent pain Pat endured waiting and praying for her husband, whom remains MIA to this day. Pats faith in our Lord and his plan never wavered. Her family is forever grateful that she is finally reunited with her husband, her parents and her younger brother.
She is survived by her sister Margie (Phil) Biegel, children David (Rocky) Nichols, Carol (Steve) Ray, Jan (Greg) Vandenberg, Michael (Mary) Nichols, James (Wendy) Nichols, 10 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren.
A Visitation will be held Friday, February 8, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m., at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., in Phoenix. On Saturday, February 9, 2019, a Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 6261 N. Granite Reef Rd., in Scottsdale. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th St., in Phoenix.
In lieu of flowers, throw kindness like confetti. In memory of Patricia and her love of giving, donate to your favorite organization in her name, volunteer your time to make a difference, or do something to make someone smile.
Leslie Davis Gjerstad
I am so sorry for your loss! Your mom was always kind to me when I would come over to play at your house as a child. I will honor her memory every time I volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul.
Robert E Nichols
My condolences to Pat’s family and friends. I remember her as a very strong woman who raised five children, mostly by herself, and waiting patiently for her husband to come home. Somehow, she found the strength to endure. God bless Pat and her family.
Bill & Maria Stevens
Thinking of you, Carol, and your family at this difficult time. I feel so blessed to have met your Mom at McDowell Village. She had a quiet, sweet strength about her and I could see the love and respect you had for her. God’s love & peace to you all.
Scott Nichols
I’m so sorry to hear about aunt pats passing. I have not seen her for a while, but I remember her very well she was always very sweet and kind, and when I was younger and we would visit, and I’m sure all us kids drove her crazy but she was always smiling and laughing and very tolerant, I have thought about her over the years , all good memories I regret not seeing her more she will be missed.
Brad Nichols
I am so sorry for your loss. I didn’t see Pat a lot, but when I did she was the nicest and most thoughtful person I knew. I remember seeing her in Florida, when she came back from Greece with my Grandmother. I offer all my prayers.
David Austin
My deepest condolences for the Nichols Family. Although i only knew her thru her kids , she was always mentioned as being a great Mom. As a kid i did see her at church with her family. So my reguards to the family.
Daniel Sullivan III
OMG. I just heard. I don’t know how our hearts can take such huge,powerful blows. But you five are and always have been so strong. I reflect with such vivid and beautiful memories of you guys growing up. Ill see you tonight.
Dan Sullivan III