Nancy Louise Nicholson

On November 9, 2023, Nancy Louise (Long) Nicholson (83) of West Chester, PA., passed away peacefully in Florida with her son and daughter by her side.

Nancy was born on August 17, 1940. She was the youngest of seven children. She is preceded in death by her mother, Catherine (Stimley) Long and father James Long, as well as sisters June and Peggy, and brothers Jimmy and George.

Nancy is survived by her two children, Robert James and Christine Catherine, Christine's spouse Dennis; her grandchildren, Nancy Lynne, Nancy's spouse Tyler, Kaila Nichole and Jack Robert; her two great granddaughters, Willow Olivia and Weslynn Kay. She is also survived by her sister/best friend, Kay and Kay's spouse Donald, as well as her brother Bob and Bob's spouse Connie.

She grew up in a family with little means. Nancy and her sister Kay made the best of it, had fun, and never thought of themselves as poor. They helped out the family by selling roasted peanuts to their community for 5c.a bag. After graduating from high school, with the kind financial help of a neighbor (Mr. Malone), she attended nurses training in Lewistown, PA. She worked as an RN in the Lewistown Hospital for 6 years. After that, she joined the Air Force to work for 2 years as a First Lieutenant, where she met her (ex)husband Robert Nicholson. With the Air Force, the family was able to travel to Boston, Oklahoma, Spain, New York, and Virginia.

She went on to have a very successful nursing career, spanning 40 years. It was not always easy, but she took great pride in her work, and it showed. She continued her career as an RN in Flushing, NY, and Hampton, VA. In Woodbridge, VA, she enjoyed working at Prince William Hospital as a med/surg RN. Nancy especially loved working at the Coatesville Veterans Hospital in PA, where she worked as a psychiatric nurse. In 2000, at the age of 59 1/2, her nursing career ended when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She remarkably survived 23 more years with only one lung.

Nancy always shared the funniest stories from growing up and working as a nurse. They cannot all be repeated. She had the best sense of humor and was so much fun to tease. Her mind was sharp as a tack, which she might argue was because there wasn't a crossword puzzle she couldn't conquer. She would alter stories, just a pinch, when retelling them to suit her as she remembered them. She was stubborn, she was feisty, she was a drama queen. She always chose "new" over "old". She had food cravings about once a day, that had to be met! She was a bean spiller. Her laughter was contagious and is completely irreplaceable.

Talk about a good cook! Her specialty was prime rib with Yorkshire pudding. She did thankfully share the recipe, but she didn't want anyone messing around in the kitchen while she performed her magic!

Fancy Nancy, as she was known lovingly by her family, was always dressed better than everyone else for every occasion. Her clothes always looked immaculate, freshly ironed and always polished. Her son and daughter invited her on a camping trip once and, of course, her bag was packed with only silks and linens!

Up until 83, she was still getting compliments on her hair. She was a born a brunette but eventually became a beautiful platinum blonde! Both suited her beautifully!

She was the most wonderful mother, adoring grandma and great-grandma.

Her family is comforted in knowing that she is going to be with the Lord, Our Savior. This is because Nancy lived her life kindly, generously, and honestly. She loved deeply and was deeply loved. There is comfort also in knowing that there are a whole bunch of people up there waiting for her. God generously painted the sky bright pink and orange at dusk when He escorted her through His pearly gates.

Fly high Sweet Angel. We love you to infinity and we definitely love you more.

Arrangements are currently being planned for a Celebration of Nancy's Life in West Chester, PA. Her family and friends will be notified shortly of the date. Nancy's family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nancy's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.