Obituary of Joan M. Nichols

Joan M. Nichols, age 84 of Clifton Park passed away on Saturday August 6, 2016 after a brief illness. She was born in Syracuse to the late Charles and Lorene (Pellenz) May. She was predeceased by her husband William L. Nichols, and her brothers Robert and Donald May. Joan married William L. Nichols on February 14, 1953 in Syracuse and resided in the Syracuse area until they relocated to Clifton Park in 1965. Joan cherished her friends and family, was a loving wife and mother who dedicated her lifetime to providing her husband and children with a happy and loving home. Joan enjoyed bowling, golfing, watching the Yankees, and spending Saturdays in August at the Saratoga racetrack. She was an avid reader, never missed her daily crossword puzzle, and always looked forward to luncheons and social activities with her many loving friends. She is survived by her seven children Deborah (Gary) Ballard, Mathew (Jo Anne) Nichols, Lorene Henry, William (Joyce) Nichols, Peter Nichols, Paul Nichols, and Barbara (Al) Scher; grandchildren Joshua (Trishia) and Zachary (Laura) Ballard, Delaney Nichols, Tracy and Dustin Henry, Louis Nichols, CJ, Tiffany, William and Ashley Nichols, and Sarah Nichols. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Rachel and Magnolia Ballard, and Lotus Syzdek; daughter-in-law Michele Nichols; sister Sharon (Art) Grady, sister-in-law's Pauline and Barbara May, and many nieces and nephews. Joan was also looking forward to the arrival of Zac and Laura’s baby, her 4th great-grandchild, due in September. Calling hours will be held on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Catricala Funeral Home Inc., 1597 Route 9, Clifton Park, with a funeral Mass on Saturday at 9 a.m. at St. Edward’s Church in Clifton Park. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Waterford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144, or the Northeastern NY Affiliate of Susan G. Komen, Attn: Donor Services, PO Box 13535, Albany, NY 12212.