Patricia Nichols

Nichols, Patricia

Patricia Sue Thompson Nichols, 83, peacefully graduated into the life triumphant on Feb. 19, 2018, at Kobacker House, from metastatic breast cancer. She was born in Detroit on Aug. 10, 1934. Pat attended multiple elementary schools as her family relocated several times while her father worked in the WWII and post-war industry. She was active with Girl Scouts and particularly enjoyed 4H, led by Katherine Broshvarn. Always involved with music, Pat served as pianist at Epworth Methodist Church in her early teen years. She graduated from Benjamin Bosse High School, class of 1952, Evansville, Ind. Pat was accepted and studied at the Butler University Jordan School of Music in voice, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Christian Education in 1956 from Butler University, Indianapolis, where she was in Delta Delta Delta sorority and worked as secretary with Indiana Christian Missionary Society. Pat then served for several years as Director of Christian Education at Wilson Avenue Christian Church in Columbus, Ohio, working with The Rev. Dr. Lester King and The Rev. Ken Coy. A member of Northwest Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Upper Arlington for 60 years, she served in multiple volunteer positions, including Elder, CWF President, and on most all commissions, including worship, education, fellowship, outreach, and property stewards, always singing in the choir. In addition, she sang for over 40 years in American Association of University Women’s Choral Group. She led two Cub Scout dens and a Girl Scout troop. Pat worked at The Ohio State University as executive secretary for the Council of Graduate Students, where she trained a new boss annually for 20 years. After retiring, Pat served as president of the Caprice Encore of the Women’s Association of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and was a member of the Forte group. Her deep faith guided her daily life. Pat unconditionally loved family and friends, meticulously chronicling birthdays and anniversaries, which she honored with personalized cards, and cherished her role as a consummate hostess. A foster child, Jolene, joined her family for three years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Cleatis Wilder and Elizabeth Jean Thompson, and sister, Margaret “Peggy” who died of scarlet fever at age 6, after the 1937 flood. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years Robert Nichols, married by Rev. Rafe Miller at Eastside Christian Church in Evansville, Ind.; sisters, Lin Thompson and Marcia (Chris) Polischuck; brother, Bruce (Pam) Thompson; children, Tim (Nicki), Bruce (Lisa), and Lori (John) Beals; grandchildren, Samantha (Marshall) Weimer, Christina Mauro, Abby and Tyler Nichols, James, Andrea and Natalie Nichols, and Peter Beals; as well as great-grandchildren, Jacob (J.T.) and Claire Weimer. She is also survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a legion of friends, who she wishes she could list here. Pat’s final exercise of community service was her participation in The OSU Body Donor Program. The service of celebration of Pat’s life will be on Saturday, March 3, 11:00 a.m., with visiting hour at 10:00 a.m. at Northwest Christian Church, 1340 Fishinger Road, led by The Rev. Cynthia Adcock and The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Wheeler. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northwest Christian Church Mortgage Fund, or to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, 55 E. State St., Columbus, OH 43215.