Helen Nicholls

Helen Clark Nicholls 1924-2012 PITTSFIELD Helen Clark Nicholls passed away peacefully at home on June 30, 2012, surrounded by family and friends. The daughter of Grace Markley Clark and Arthur Jay Clark, Mrs. Nicholls was born in Palm, Pennsylvania, on Jan. 31, 1924. She married G. Alton Nicholls of Pittsfield on August 4, 1946. They moved to Pittsfield in 1948 and enjoyed 43 years together until his death on Dec. 21, 1989. Mrs. Nicholls graduated from Pennsburg (PA) High School in 1941, and from the Allentown (PA) Business College in 1942. She was a 1945 graduate of the Academy of Vocal Arts, located in Philadelphia and New York City. Mrs. Nicholls received a coveted full scholarship to the Academy. Trained as an opera singer and stage performer, she studied drama with Dr. Herbert Graf of the Metropolitan Opera. Mrs. Nicholls was a member of the Junior League of Pittsfield, where she was active in Children's Theater. She was a member of the Pittsfield Town Players. Her final stage role was as a hilarious Buttercup in a church production of The Pirates of Penzance. A member of Zion's Lutheran Church, Mrs. Nicholls served on many committees and the church council and volunteered in the church office. She sang in the church choir along with her husband Al. With the family business, Pierce Coal and Oil Company, Mrs. Nicholls served as treasurer from 1959 until the business was sold in 1968. She was employed as secretary-receptionist to the late Dr. Donald C. Exford from 1970-1976. She belonged to the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Berkshire Motor Sports Club, and the Y's Menettes of the Pittsfield YMCA. She enjoyed singing, playing piano and listening to music, dancing, traveling, swimming, reading, laughing, and caring for her home and family. Mrs. Nicholls was predeceased by her husband Al Nicholls; her sister Grace Clark Moyer and brother-in-law John Moyer; and countless beloved family members and friends. Mrs. Nicholls will be dearly missed by her son, Clark W. Nicholls of Lee, and daughter, Pamela Nicholls of Albany, Calif.; as well as son-in-law Robin Woodland, granddaughter Ella Rae Woodland, nieces Sally Johnson and Helen Rood, and a circle of dear friends and family. We cherish memories of Helen's sparkling wit and wonderful sense of humor, and her generosity and love. FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENT: The funeral will be held at WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME, Reverend Dennis P. Kohl and Reverend Timothy Weisman officiating, Mon., July 16, 2012, at 11 a.m. Calling hours are omitted at the request of the deceased. If friends desire, gifts may be made in Helen's name to Zion's Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or HospiceCare in the Berkshires.