SARATOGA SPRINGS — Harriet Watkins Nichols died peacefully on Thanksgiving Day.
Harriet had a zest for life and lived every moment to the fullest. She loved music, entertaining and playing cards. She always had a smile on her face and will be deeply missed by her family and her many friends. We can hear her laughing as we write these words.
Harriet was born on Sept. 4, 1929 in Terre Haute, Indiana. She was a graduate of Wiley High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and a Masters in Music from Indiana State University. After college, she moved to Denver, Colorado where she taught music for several years.
In 1956, she met Jonathan P. Nichols III while singing together in a church choir. They married, moved to Martinsville, Virginia and had three babies in one year.
In 1965, they moved to Wilmington, Delaware and later, to Newark, Delaware, where they were active in the Methodist Church. Harriet taught music for the Christiana School District for over 15 years.
In 1984, Harriet and John retired to Anna Maria, Florida and spent many years enjoying the island community. The last years of her life were spent at the Prestwick Chase Retirement Community where she played bridge, socialized with her friends, and played the piano at the Friday night wine socials.
She is survived by a daughter, Beth (Alex Tustian) of Mukilteo, Washington, and twin sons, Kent of Chicago, and Kirk (Alinda) and Kirk’s partner Katherine Raymond of Saratoga Springs; a sister, Judy Fox (Harold); a brother, Jim Watkins (Charlotte) of Terre Haute, Indiana; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Harriet’s life will be held at Prestwick Chase (100 Saratoga Blvd., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866) Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. In May 2015, the family will hold a memorial on Anna Maria Island where Harriet will be laid to rest with her late husband John at Roser Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Active Visions Foundation, 6416 N. Lehigh Ave., Chicago, IL 60646 or Roser Church www.roserchurch.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
