Linda J. NICHOLS

NICHOLS, Linda J. (Moore)

Linda J. (Moore) Nichols, 72 of Portland, wife of Laurence V. Nichols passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at home surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of the late William F. Jr and Irene (Mossey) Moore. Born on November 14, 1940 in Fitchburg, MA, she grew up in Durham and graduated from Durham High School and has lived in Portland over the last 40 years. Linda would like to be remembered for her love of family, cooking delicious meals and enjoying lively poker games in her home. She hosted Christmas Eve celebrations every year and welcomed anyone who had no place to go. Linda always kept her heart, mind and doors open to anyone who sought help. She raised her three children to follow the Golden Rule, to treat others the way you want to be treated. Linda was a political activist with strong opinions. In the 60's and 70's, she volunteered for the Democratic Party which included campaigning for Senator Dodd, George McGovern and Eugene McCarthy. Linda participated in anti-war peace rallies to protest the Vietnam War. She worked as a bookkeeper for her husband's business and as a hostess at the Portland Brownstone Restaurant. Linda had a passion for life and we are sure her strong spirit is starting a party in heaven. Special thanks to the Middlesex Hospice Home Care Staff for guiding the family through a difficult time. Besides her husband, she leaves a son, Laurence V. Nichols Jr. and his wife, Joan of Portland, a daughter, Kelly Nichols-Johnson and her husband, Shelvie of Colchester, a sister, Marilyn Smigel of Higganum, 3 grandchildren, Kayla Rose Johnson, and Michael and Orlando Casserino, III and many nieces and nephews, She also leaves behind her special friend and caregiver, Nancy Gordon. She was predeceased by a daughter, Michelle Nichols and a brother, William F. Moore III.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 17, 2013 at 1PM at Portland Memorial Funeral Home 231 Main St., Portland. Burial will be private. Relatives and friends may call on Saturday from 12PM until the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Linda's memory may be made to the Portland Library 20 Freestone Ave., Portland, CT. 06480 or to the Portland Food Bank 33 East Main St., Portland, CT. 06480. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.portlandmemorialfh.net.