Helen M. Nichols
November 11, 1924 ~ July 12, 2023
Resided in:
Westbrook, Maine
Westbrook - Helen M. Nichols, fondly known as Nanny to those who loved her most, passed on July 12, 2023, at the age of 98. Born on November 11, 1924, in Boston, MA, The daughter of the late Thomas and Catherine Donegan. Helen was a fiercely independent and loving soul, with an unwavering spirit that left an indelible mark on everyone she met. She was a woman of many passions, embracing everything from politics to the Boston Red Sox, to her love for shopping at Filene's.
In 1952, Helen and her late husband, Thomas Sr., settled down in Dedham, MA, where they bought a house and made a life together. Helen was a dedicated saleswoman in the retail industry, but her true joy came from being a devoted mother and grandmother. She particularly loved volunteering at her son's and granddaughter's schools, making a difference in the lives of many children. In 2013, she moved to Westbrook, Maine, to live with her granddaughter, Laura, and her family. Her house was always open and full of people, her home was the gathering place.
Helen was predeceased by her spouse, Thomas Sr.; her son, Thomas Jr.; and her sisters, Mary Donegan, Catherine Rolls, and Elizabeth Katsiane. Nanny is survived by her loving granddaughter, Laura Nichols and her husband, Bayissa Mulat; her great-grandson, Yussuf Mulat; a sister, Mary Nelson; many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews; and her beloved bird, Charlie.
As we remember Helen, we celebrate a life filled with love, generosity, and kindness. We celebrate a woman who, like the cardinals, remained true to herself and her loved ones.
A celebration of Nanny's life will be held on July 26, 2023 at 2:00PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. A private burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury, MA.
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As I child I always looked forward to visiting Helen, her husband Tom, and son Tommy when they hosted cookouts. Helen was kind, generous, well-read, opinionated, politically astute, and loved nature, particularly birds (especially Cardinals). I learned a lot from Helen, who possessed a strong moral character, forged in her difficult childhood. Helen was the epitome of resilience and often shared wise (and humorous) words, like “old age aint for sissies!”… I miss you Helen. Peace and love to you, Laura, Bayissa, Yussuf, and the family…
Dear Nanny
I love you to the moon and back, ❤️Fly high with your Maine sunsets. Love and miss you.
Helen was one of the strongest women I’ve ever met. Not only did she live through a world that changed at unbelievable speed during her nearly 99 years, but she kept pace with a lot of it and adapted to the changes more readily than some others are able to.
She had many loves: most particularly her family, animals, flowers and trees. She was one of a kind and I will miss her greatly.
Laura & Bayissa
Judi and I are so sorry for your loss. You know how much we loved Nanny. Just remember Laura what I told you on the phone. She is in a better place, probably arguing right now to make sure all the angles are sure that they are Red Sox fans. You know that Yussuf is going to miss her so much. Give the little guy a big hug from Uncle Ron.
We love you and are available for you at any time. Remember that !
Love,
Ron & Judi
Grateful for the lovely memories
Helen was such a sweet woman. She had spirit in her eyes always and I loved how she enjoyed a delicious ice cream every day. She was blessed with a long beautiful life and I am sad she passed. She was simply a wonderful human being.