Published in the May 3, 2018 edition.
Enjoyed many trips to Italy
NORTH READING — Jean Lillian (Boyd) Nichols, 87, died peacefully at the Royal Meadow View Center in North Reading on April 22, 2018, after a 12-year battle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). She is preceded in death by her husband Ted (Feb. 11, 2018), son Mark, and sisters Eleanor and Beatrice.
Jean is survived by her brother Robert Boyd of Haverhill; six sons and five daughters-in-law, Ted and Connie Nichols of Kennebunk Maine, Karl and Helene Nichols of Virginia Beach, Va., David and Barbara Nichols of Derry N.H., Peter Nichols of Wenham, Andy and Suzanne Nichols of North Reading, Guy and Jessica Nichols of Lowell and the late Mark Nichols and his wife Kara, originally of Tyngsboro.
Jean was born on March 5, 1931 in Somerville to Lillian (Smith) and Alden John Boyd. She grew up in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School in 1949. She married the love of her life, Edward M. Nichols, II on September 8, 1950. They were married for 67 years, had seven sons, 23 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was a secretary for a number of years and a loving and dedicated wife and mother. She was not only the “boss” but the “heart and soul” of her family.
Jean had many interests throughout her life such as quilting and flowers (Wakefield Flower Club), as well as being an active member at Faith Lutheran Church in Andover and as an involved and dedicated member in the overall Christian Community (Church Women of Woburn).
She and Ted enjoyed traveling over the years, including multiple trips to Italy while her son Karl lived there, mission trips to Mexico, and visiting her “pen-pal” of over 60 years in England. She also enjoyed many summers with her husband and family in Wells, Maine and North Haven Island, Maine.
A wake is scheduled for May 11, from 4-7 p.m. at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. A funeral service at Faith Lutheran Church in Andover is scheduled for May 12, at 10 a.m., followed by a burial at the Wildwood Cemetery in Wilmington. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jean’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Foundation 4 Love at https://foundation4love.org. The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Royal Meadow View Center for their care and dedication. www.croswellfuneralhome.com.
