Joan A. Nichols

Joan A. Nichols, 78, passed quietly at her home in Moses Lake WA on January 15, 2012.  Born May 20, 1933 in Seattle, WA to William (Bill) and Esther Salter, Joan spent her early years on Bainbridge Island and Seattle. She graduated in 1951 from Queen Anne High School in Seattle and went on to attend the University of Washington where she met her husband to be, William (Bill) Nichols.  While at UW, Joan majored in sociology and particularly enjoyed communications classes.  She was a member of the Delta Zeta sorority, Kappa Chapter.    Bill and Joan were married in Seattle at the University Presbyterian Chapel in 1953.  They spent their honeymoon in Eastern Washington and fell in love with the countryside.  The couple spent their first years in Everett, WA. before moving to Moses Lake in 1962.     They had four of their five children in Everett. 

Joan was very active over the years in her community. She started parent preschool cooperatives in both Everett and Moses Lake.  Joan was involved in many community organizations and with that many posts, including Columbia Basin Community Concerts, Camp Fire, Moses Lake Friends of the Library, Sons of Norway as a Golden Member ,  Common Cents Investment Club, and Mynah Club.  She was not afraid of leadership in all the organizations she dedicated her time to.   Joan took particular pride in her more than 40 years of involvement in International Training in Communication (Toastmistress) during which she held nearly all elected offices and received numerous awards.  This involvement continued throughout her life.

Joan carried many happy memories of her time she spent at the beach house on Whidbey Island with her parents and family.

Joan's hobbies included Ancient History (particularly Bible History), art, politics, writing short stories, newspaper articles, poems, family biographies and genealogies.  She loved music and played concert and Irish harp through her early and mid adulthood until her physical challenges made it no longer possible.  Joan fostered a love of music in all her children.

Joan is survived by her five children;  Brian Nichols (Wendy Wilson) of Spokane WA., Carol Nichols-Tyson  (Rob) of Medical Lake, WA., Diane Nichols-Bishop (Denny) of Moses Lake, Gary Nichols of Moses Lake, WA. and Grant Nichols (Trish) of Moses Lake, WA.  She was proud to have seven grandchildren Alex, Liz, Bill, Mathew, Paul, Kelly and Elliot and one great- grandchild Jaelynn.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Esther Salter in the 1960s and her husband Bill in 1991.  After the death of her husband she continued the operation of North Strafford Mini Mart in Moses Lake, which continues as a family business.

As was her wish, Joan was able to remain in her home until the end of her life with the dedicated and loving care provided to her by family members and Hospice.

Joan's greatest gift was her true love for those people fortunate enough to know her.  She didn't complain about her challenges that the physical world handed her and many she met would wonder at the inner strength that radiated unconditional love. The gifts of kindness, forgiveness, and trust flowed easily from Joan. She lived her life with a positive attitude and always looked for the best in all people. Joan firmly believed that our true self is a perfect reflection of God's infinite love for us all. She will be missed and remembered by all who loved her.