Evelyn M Nichols' Obituary
Evelyn Mary (Jones) Nichols was the beloved wife for sixty-five years to Thomas James Nichols (deceased). She was the dearest mother of Thomas (Connie), John (Jeannine), Mary Brondfield (Howard), Charles (Sharon), Joseph and Maureen Wagner (Dr. Philip Wagner). The joys of her life were her grand and great-grandchildren: Russell Esq. (Rachel), Alan Esq., John Jr., Jacqueline, David Brondfield, Steven, Eric (fiancé Hannah), Joseph Jr., Kelly, Theodore (fiancé Skylar), Margaret Wagner Esq., Thomas Wagner and Andrew Wagner. Great-grandchildren: Callum, Channing and soon-to-be baby Nichols. She was the beloved sister, aunt, and friend to many. Evelyn passed away May 27, 2024.
Evelyn was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on December 17,1929, to Charles and Margaret Jones (Healey). Evelyn was one of six children who included: Charles (Irene Jones) (deceased), Margaret Moss (William) (deceased), Lawrence (Traudel) Jones, Maureen Rheaume (Pete) (deceased), and Rosemary Motzenbecker (Eric).
Evelyn was a devout Catholic and a leader for the Rosary Society as a young girl. She was a scholar athlete growing up and excelling in academics and extracurriculars including the following: Student Council, Cheerleading Captain, Dramatic Society, Highlight, Athletic Council Secretary, Girls Basketball, Badminton, Volleyball Captain, Swimming, Leader Corp, Vice President, Pep Squad, Class Treasurer and Rhode Island National Honor Society.
Evelyn continued her academic achievements after graduating from East High School and attended Rhode Island College of Education in 1951. The Epsilon Rho Chapter elected Evelyn to membership in Kappa Delta Pi an Honor Society in Education. Evelyn taught elementary school in Pawtucket, Rhode Island at Cottage and Prospect Elementary Schools. In 1955, she married Thomas James Nichols at Saint Leo's Parish in Pawtucket. Evelyn and Thomas moved to Cleveland, Ohio and eventually settled in Strongsville. Evelyn was involved in many of her children’s activities, including the following: Den Mother for Cub Scouts, Girl Scout Leader, PTA President of the original Drake Elementary School. She was an avid reader, gardener and seamstress making beautiful outfits for her children and herself. Evelyn and Tom were founding members of the first Catholic Parish in Strongsville, Saint Joseph, and founding members of Saint John Neuman where they remained parishioners.
While raising their six children, Evelyn went back to college to earn her Master's Degree in Education. She was a Special Education teacher and eventually a Special Education Coordinator for the Brunswick City Schools. Evelyn was most proud of her children and grandchildren, always promoting the importance of education. She and Tom attended many recitals, religious ceremonies, sporting and art events over the years. They enjoyed visiting family and friends back in Pawtucket for reunions. During the summers, they spent time with family and friends at their summer home at Chippewa Lake.
Later in life, Evelyn studied and excelled at Mahjong. She shared her love for the game by starting a weekly Senior Mahjong group held at the Strongsville Senior Center. She shared her love of learning and teaching by instructing over sixty women, and sometimes men, how to play Mahjong. Evelyn’s impact and legacy continues to thrive as the Senior Mahjong groups are still playing at the Strongsville Senior Center.
The family of Evelyn want to thank all her friends for their friendships and helping us to celebrate her life. A special thank you to Dr. Judith Waters for her kindness and compassion, and the nurses at the Thomas Perciak Hospice. Should you wish to contribute, please contribute to The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland or Rainbows Babies and Children’s Hospital.
VISITATION will be held on MONDAY, June 3rd from 3pm – 7pm at JARDINE FUNERAL HOME, 15822 Pearl Road, Strongsville. A MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be held on TUESDAY, June 4th at 11am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 16271 Pearl Road, Strongsville. Interment will take place at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at 1:15pm.
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