Deborah Elizabeth Nichols

Deborah (Debbie) Elizabeth Nichols, 69, departed this life on June 2, 2010. She was born in Providence, RI and raised in Litchfield, CT. She was the daughter of Herbert and Elizabeth Nichols. Debbie attended Northfield School for Girls; class of 1959. She received 2 Bachelor degrees, Political Science (1964) and Music Ed. (1967) from the University of Connecticut, Storrs. She taught music in Manchester, CT public schools until 1969. She later worked as a Systems Analyst at The Hartford, Aetna and The Travelers. An accomplished mezzo-soprano, Debbie performed multiple solo and group performances until 1990. For many years, she was a member of CONCORA. She was an alto choir soloist at First Church of Christ in New Britain, CT; South United Methodist Church in Manchester, CT and Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford, CT, where she was also a member. She is survived by two daughters and their families, Meredith J. Benson and Victor R. Signore of Turners Falls, MA and Katherine A. (Benson) Greenberg and her son, Alexander P. Welcher of Springfield, MA. She also leaves behind a sister, Diane Nichols, a nephew, Christopher S. Gute and niece, Elizabeth G. Schuerger of New Rochelle, NY. Debbie also leaves behind her dearest friend, Joyce P. Fox of Columbia, CT. Before illness took her ability to walk, Debbie spent hours gardening, making sure her yard was beautiful and her plants were cared for. Her father, former owner of the Litchfield Hills Nursery, Litchfield, CT fostered her life long love of gardening from an early age. She was and extremely strong woman, who fought a courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis for 25 years, facing each day valiantly and never giving up. She had an amazing sense of humor, sometimes unplanned and provided a host of treasures that her friends and family will never forget. Those who knew her admired her strength and determination. Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department, 167 Route 66 Columbia, Connecticut. Over the years, these folks provided her with immeasurable assistance. Thank you so much! A memorial service will be held in the chapel at Asylum Hill Congregational Church, 814 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT at 10 AM on July 10, 2010.