Franklin
Joan Stella Nichols, 81, passed away May 28, 2021, at her Franklin home surrounded by loved ones. She was born March 30, 1940, in Lynn, Mass., the daughter of Catherine Lynch.
Joan was educated at Lynn English High School, and in 1958 married her late husband, Gordon Nichols. Together they ran their own business, selling fish and lobster while living in Swampscott. In 1984, they moved to Maine so her husband could enjoy retirement and where she embarked on a new career path as a housekeeper, with Gordon passing in 1995.
Joan enjoyed living by the ocean and providing for her family. She loved yard sales, bird watching, playing Yahtzee and card games and spending time with her family. She kept busy outside and around the house, where she could always be found working on a project. Her granddaughter, Darrian, most enjoyed helping in the kitchen, canning vegetables from the garden. “Nana’s” pickled beets were everyone’s favorite.
Joan was predeceased by her husband of 37 years, Gordon Nichols; son, William Nichols; mother, Catherine Lynch; brother, Kenneth Lynch; and identical twin sister, Jean Lynch Wells. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Donna Nichols; daughter, Wanda Nichols; daughter-in-law Kathy Nichols; grandchildren, Mathew and wife, Lisa Nichols; Sean and wife, Katie Nichols; Ryan and Brett Nichols; Darrian and William Church; and great-grandchildren, Austin, Preston, Ethan, Colton, Teagan and Angelica.
Visiting hours will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, June 3, 2021, at Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, 215 Main St., Ellsworth. A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, June 3, 2021, at Bayview Cemetery, Route 182, Franklin.
Contributions may be made in Joan’s memory to: DAV — Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.
The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to Katherine Wallace, RN, of Northern Light Home Care and Hospice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Ellsworth, where online condolences may be shared: www.bragdonkelley.com.