Jean Nichols, age 97, of Greenville, passed away Friday February 26, 2021.
Born on February 25, 1924 in Richland, PA, Jean was the daughter of Herman and Helen Offner. Growing up in nearby Erie, she graduated from Edinboro HS in 1941. She then attended what is now the Pennsylvania University of Indiana in Indiana, PA, where she met the love of her life, Harold (Nick) Nichols. Jean and Harold married in 1945 at Fort Robinson, Nebraska where Harold began his WWII service.
Jean graduated from the University of Indiana in 1945. Upon Harold’s return from Italy following the war, they moved to Philadelphia, PA where he started veterinary school. Jean both served as a secretary and taught business and English courses to high school students during this time. Upon Harold’s graduation from veterinary school in June, 1951, they moved to Greenville to set up veterinary practice, ultimately on Jamestown Rd. Jean was the office manager for this practice until its sale and their retirement in 1990. Harold died in 1997, and Jean moved to The Colonies of St.Paul’s shortly thereafter. She has remained a resident of the St. Paul’s campus since.
Her many hobbies included crafting needlepoint creations, participating in Greenville Coterie Club events, playing the piano, traveling, reading voraciously, attending Greenville Symphony performances, playing competitive bridge and of course, following her Pirates and Steelers.
Jean is survived by her brother, John Offner, sons Ted (Sona) Nichols and Tim (Pamela) Nichols, granddaughter Chelsea (Greg) Nichols and grandson Zack (Tara) Nichols.
A private family celebration of life service will be held. Donations may be made to The Greenville Public Library, 330 Main St., Greenville, PA, 16125 or The Greenville Symphony Orchestra, P.O. Box 364, Greenville, PA, 16125. Arrangements have been entrusted to Loutzenhiser-Jordan Funeral Home and Cremation services, Inc. 366-368 S. Main st. Greenville.
Growing up in Greenville Dr. Nichols was our family vet for several pets. A well run practice of which she was a full partner.
Tim and Ted and Family: Please accept my sincere sympathy. Your mom was a continual presence in my life. She and my mom were special friends and she and I kept in touch throughout the years. She was a good friend to my mother; a classy, interesting woman; and someone I always enjoyed being with and talking to. She and your dad were exceptional people. You will continue to be in my thoughts.
Tim, Ted and John —– I am so glad I got to talk to my cousin, Jean, this past January. With the Covid pandemic I was not able to see her last summer in person. She and I had great discussions when I visited with her at St. Paul’s. I only wish we had connected sooner as we talked about the history of the family and I learned a lot. I have fond memories of visits to Edinboro with my mom and dad and also a visit at least once when Jean and Nick were in Philly. I remember too their very big German Shepherd dog. I hope someone has been able to take care of her precious cat, Tabby. She loved that cat and it was great company for her. I will miss my August trips to see her – she was a very special lady and proud of her boys.
Tim, Pam, and Ted my sincere condolences. Love and prayers to all.
Sonia L Mitchell
Ted, Tim, John an d Family– My sincerest condolences and sympathy. So much of family that I knew growing up, who used to visit the Layser Farm at Pine Creek, are nearly gone now, Jean among them. I have strong memories of her visits. The last time, Tim brought Jean there, my mother was still living. It was a challenge for Jean and my mother because the old farm house did not have much heat. The last I saw Jean was when my late wife, Pattie, and I visited Tim’s place in Ohio, and Jean came over from her home in Pennsylvania. We had a great get together and shared a lot of stories; and Pattie and I admired the pensioner horse that had been one of Nick’s favorites. One of the earliest memories of Jean, I’d like to share is intended to be humorous. In the early 1940’s, Jean and Nick hadn’t been married too long, when they rented an apartment from my mother. It was a part of a huge house and business, which my mother owned and operated at 932 Chestnut Street in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Jean would probably be appalled that I remember, but probably typical of the era, the entire home, apartment, and business combined had only one bathroom. Jean would be up early and occupy the bathroom getting ready for work. My bedroom was next to the bathroom, and at 3-4 years old, I’d wake up and rush down the hallway for the bathroom, to invariably find it occupied. It became a race every morning between Jean and myself. One of those indelible memories from childhood.
Tim, Ted, John and Family – My sincere condolences – I was able to view the recorded service for Jean, my cousin. The service, beautiful photo, and obituary are lovely tributes to her life well lived. I vaguely remember Nick and Jean at our home in New Jersey and then at last one trip my family made out to Edinboro. I saw Jean in La Conner, Washington, when she and a friend were on a Tauck bus tour. It was great to have some in person catching up time and very special to see her. You are in my heart and prayers. Heaven has another angel. Sincerely, Karen Offner Eaton (aka Taffy)