Mary Ellen Nichols' Obituary
MARY ELLEN NICHOLS (nee Martino), age 79. Passed away peacefully March 25, 2025. Beloved wife of 51 years to Michael (deceased). Loving mother of Laura Rankin (Tim), Andrew (Laura) Nichols, and Sarah DeBrock (Matthew). Cherished and devoted ‘Manya’ to her 16 grandchildren- Henry, Rachel, Andrew, and Hope Rankin; Benjamin, Samantha, William, Alexandra, Adriana, Maria, Michael, Theresa, and Veronica Nichols; Gavin, Owen, and Christian DeBrock. Dear sister of John Martino (Audrey). Also survived by a niece, nephews, and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, John and Adele Martino.
Mary Ellen was born on December 13th, 1945, in Maspeth, Queens, New York. She grew up in New Hyde Park, New York and graduated from St. Mary High School in 1963. Mary Ellen attended Molloy Catholic College for Women in Rockville Centre, New York, graduating with Honors as Valedictorian with a BA in History in 1967. She later received her first Masters degree with a MA in History from St. John’s University in Jamaica, Queens, New York.
She married the love of her life, Michael Nichols, on November 18th, 1967. He had attended the Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point, NY, when they first met at a local restaurant and she offered him a slice of pizza. They had two children (Laura and Andy) on Long Island, New York, before moving to Strongsville, Ohio in 1973 to support Mike’s engineering career.
Mary Ellen then dedicated herself as a wife, mom, and homemaker. After having their third child, Sarah, she began working part-time in the Cuyahoga County Library system, first at the Strongsville Branch, followed by a two year stint at the Parma Heights Branch, before she landed a full-time position at the Berea Branch. Mary Ellen earned her second Masters degree in the mid-1990’s in Library Science from Kent State. She loved working and serving the Berea community via the library, and she retired as Supervisor of Adult Services in 2015 after 26 years of dedicated service.
Mary Ellen loved spending time with others and cherished her many friendships that she developed over the years. She was active in many women’s groups including numerous book clubs, Bible studies, church groups, and the Grindstone Knitter’s Guild. She was an active parishioner at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Strongsville until the mid-1980’s, and then later at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Berea. After retirement and after the passing of Mike in August 2019, Mary Ellen enjoyed traveling and taking religious pilgrimages to places such as Israel, Fatima, Portugal, and Lourdes, France. She especially cherished spending time with her grandchildren and attending their many sporting events and activities.
The family is forever grateful for the outstanding care provided to Mary Ellen at Vitalia Assisted Living in Strongsville, along with Cypress Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to The Education Foundation of the Berea City School District or the Cuyahoga County Public Library. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday April 5, 2025. St. Mary's Catholic Church, 250 Kraft Street (Berea) at 10:00AM. (EVERYONE MEET AT CHURCH). Final resting place Resurrection Cemetery at a later date for family. The family will receive friends FRIDAY, APRIL 4th, 4 – 7 PM at JARDINE FUNERAL HOME, 15822 PEARL ROAD, STRONGSVILLE.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?