IN MEMORIAM: Nancy M. Nichols, 96;
Teacher, WAVE During World War II
ONEONTA – Nancy M. Nichols, 96, a teacher, and during World War II a WAVE and a “Rosie the Riveter” in California, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019 at Fox Hospital.
She was born on Dec. 29, 1923, in Cooperstown, daughter of the late Arthur A. and Lillian (Newport) MacEwan.
Nancy graduated from Oneonta Normal School in 1941, and SUNY Oneonta, Class of 1952.
She also served her country in the Navy from 1945 to 1946 as a WAVE, a member of the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, which enlisted women into the war effort, and worked for Howard Hughes in California as a “Rosie the Riveter.”
She was predeceased by her first husband, William G. Moody, in 1945. Nancy married Charles D. Nichols on July 1, 1947, in Cobleskill. He predeceased her on Aug. 22, 2000.
Nancy spent her early years in Oneonta. She was a teacher for most of her career, including schools in Midland Park, N.J., Fairless Hills, Pa., Unadilla, San Antonio, Texas, San Pedro Sula, Honduras and Ville D’Anjou Canada (Montreal for 15 years).
Nancy attended River Street Baptist Church, Oneonta, and the Delhi Christian Missionary and Alliance in Delhi.
She was a member of the National Education Association.
Nancy is survived by her daughter, Linda Rae-Nichols, Oneonta; grandson, Craig D. Harder (Julia) of West Falls; great-grandsons, Tyler and Grant Harder, both of Nashville; her extended family includes step-grandsons, Christopher Coombs (Kim) and family, Josh Coombs (Angela) and family; special cousins, Nancy and Dick Oakley of Binghamton, and Rosie Collins, Stamford.
In accordance with Nancy’s wishes there will be no calling hours or services.
Memorial donations may be made to River Street Baptist Church, 133 River St., Oneonta, NY 13820, Delhi Alliance Church, 16178 NY-28, Delhi, NY 13753 or The Salvation Army Thrift Store, 105 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820.
To light a candle or send condolences, visit online at www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.