Sue Ann Lough Nickels

I just found out about Sue's graduation from this life, to the next. I remember her for her profound love for Egypt and the children there. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing

My deepfelt sympathies on your loss of Sue. She was an amazing teacher and later a good neighbor.

Sue and I were friends from the first time we met right after she bought the house next door in Staunton, VA. We had many happy dinners together with Neil Stoneburner and Rev. Jim. I will miss her every day!

Sue's Safari Picture

Here are some amazing pictures Sue sent to me while she was on Safari.

Sue came into my life when she began dating my Dad (Cameron Nickels) when I was twelve years old. They married when I was fourteen. I literally grew up with Sue as a second Mother. When she came into our lives so many wonderful new things happened. We began going to Nags Head every summer as a family. This was something she was used to already doing which she wanted to share with us & we had some of the best times & definitely the best memories! She went out of her way to decorate the house, making it feel warm & cozy no matter the occasion. She loved hosting family gatherings & parties with friends & loved ones. She always made everyone feel welcome & comfortable. She worked hard to make any occasion very special! She did all the special things with me that any Mother would do without having to be asked. She made Thanksgiving & Christmas happen in our house. Not only that, she always made each one extremely special. She didn't seem to mind how much work went into it because she did it out of love. I have a lifetime of wonderful memories with Sue. I was thrilled to cat sit for her when she went on Safari! She would send me amazing pictures & I was earning her cats Tessa & Walad's trust. This was very special as Tessa usually didn't want anyone but Sue. Tessa actually warmed up to me. Then there were the visits to Staunton & Dad, Sue & I would try to at least make one or two visits to the Augusta County Regional SPCA where Dad & Sue volunteered for many years as well as donated to them financially. I always enjoyed accompanying them to visit the cat's there! They both made a huge difference in many cats lives as far as helping them to cope from being scared and nervous to be coming more relaxed and more adoptable. The work that they did their volunteering did wonders for the cats but it also enriched Sue and Dad's wives immensely. I have a lifetime of memories with Sue. I love her and I don't know if I'll ever get over missing her but I know she is no longer uncomfortable. I'm more than thankful that she was in my life! I want to pass my most sincerest condolences to the Lough family. I'm keeping you in my prayers!

Sue was a wonderful neighbor to my parents. After my father passed, she would visit my mother and my mother would visit her. When my mom was in last stages of her life, Sue would come and sit with her. Whenever needed she was there. The day of mom’s funeral Sue was there for my brother and I. My brother lives in my parent’s house next to Sue and he will miss her greatly.
We will miss her but know she is at peace.

May the family of Sue, treasure the many memories the Lord has gifted them. She always had such a welcoming smile! We pray for peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Dany and I are deeply saddened by Sue’s death, but feel privileged to have been able to accompany her through her final difficult months. Typical of the Sue we had known for over 30 years, she insisted on ‘hosting’ us with tea and homemade cookies, even when she was gravely ill. She regaled us with stories from her memorable years spent living and teaching in Cairo, her many other travel adventures, the fascinating people she met and befriended along the way. Our house is filled with unique gifts from those travels, signs of her generosity and thoughtfulness toward her friends. We also have a collection of her delightful hand-crafted holiday cards, mementos of her incredible creativity.
Sue faced her death unflinchingly and courageously, wanting especially to soften the blow of her departure through frank discussions with her friends and family. Ever the teacher, she taught us life lessons until the end. We will miss her greatly.

I love this photo of Sue right at the top! It captures so much about her. My wife and I got to know Sue in Cairo, Egypt when she hosted us for a week at her apartment prior to my wife joining Narmer American school. We became fast friends from that point on. Beyond being a superb teacher, Sue was full of spirit, humor, courage, and joy of life. We later visited at her Staunton home, went out for pizza with her and Cameron and reunited at a local Narmer school reunion. Reading how much she meant to local high school students at Franklin, Luray, and Spotswood says it all. Her legacy truly lives on.

I've already posted comments but found this photo this afternoon. One of my favorites of her. She was also so much fun and we will miss her. Cameron and she joined us in celebrating the completion of our new courtyard. Ida-Ray

Sue was always an inspiration to me. She was selfless and when I think of her, light, smiles, and laughter come to mind. My condolences to her family and everyone close to her.

I am extremely saddened to hear of Sue's passing. We taught together in Cairo and did a bit of traveling together. She was a great friend, amazing hostess, and excellent teacher and I will miss talking to her from time to time. Rest in peace, Sue....you lived life to the highest. The cats of Staunton and I will miss you.

Sue was a dynamic English teacher at Narmer American College, Cairo, Egypt. She was also a good shopper and loved traveling with my wife, LaVerne Yoder who passed away on December 14, 2022. As the Founding Superintendent of Narmer American College, I was pleased to have her teach English and she loved her students so much.

Oh, the fun times we seven teaching assistants shared in the one office at Keezell Hall, JMU, in the late 1970s.

Ida and I were heartbroken to hear the news last night that Sue had passed away last week. We knew her time was nigh because she had spoken with us after Christmas, but alas, we had no idea the time was so close. She was one of our first friends in Staunton, meeting her shortly after her return from Egypt. She and Cameron are among our best and dearest of friends. We shall miss her countenance, her laugh, her smile, and most of all, her grace, love and friendship. Sincerely, Ray and Ida Griffin, Staunton

So honored to have had her as a teacher. She was quirky and had a much different approach to teaching than other teachers at Luray High which quickly made her my favorite. I still love to read and write to this day from having her as a part of my high school life.

Rest in peace, Aunt Sue. We are so thankful for all the quality time we got to spend with you, especially over the last few years. We will miss hearing about your worldly adventures, receiving your weekly handmade cards & postcards in the mail, enjoying homemade chicken pot pie & French wine in your charming kitchen, playing dress up in your fabulous closet, and reminding you just how beautiful you areinside & out. We look forward to carrying out your wishes for a celebration of life in Spring. Keeping your spirit alive until we meet againsomewhere over the rainbow.

I just had a dream about Sue last night before my brother sent me this news- how odd! Of course you can never remember details just that she was wandering around in my dream with those crazy curls. Sue was my high school English teacher, and we called her Snickels. She was an incredibly inspiring woman, and though I’ve lost touch with her since college, I’ve never forgotten her. I still have a “Question Reaity” button she gave when when she discovered me working at a coffee shop in the early 2000’s. I’m very grateful the little town of Luray got to share in her bright light for a few years. Thanks for the memories Sue.

I was lucky enough to have Mrs. Nickels as my english teacher when I was a senior at Luray High School. She was a fantastic teacher who cared about her students. I'm very sorry to hear about her passing and my condolences to her family.

My sincerest condolences to the family. May God surround you and comfort you during this difficult time. "Miss Lough", as I called her when I was in high school in Franklin, was one of my top two favorite teachers ever! Her influence on my life as a teacher was one of the reasons why I went on to become a teacher also for 34 years. I can only imagine how many other lives she influenced over her lifetime and career. God bless her family and loved ones as they mourn her passing.

Dear Family members of Sue's, Ida and I were heartbroken to hear the news this evening that Sue had passed away last week. We knew he time was nigh because she had spoken with us after Christmas, but alas, we had no idea the time was so close. She was one of our first friends in Staunton, meeting her shortly after her return from Egypt. She and Cameron are among our best and dearest of friends. We shall miss her countenance, her laugh, her smile, and most of all, her grace, love and friendship. Sincerely, Ray and Ida Griffin, Staunton

Richard---So sorry to hear of the passing of Sue Ann. Thinking of you both brings back many childhood memories.

I was saddened to hear of Sue’s death. I pray for comfort and peace for her family.

So sorry for your loss prayers and thoughts are with you and your family

Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Sue was such a great teacher and we had the pleasure of knowing her for many years.
Our prayers are with the family at this and as a teacher at Franklin High School she touched so many lives.God bless the family and friends at this time!

Aunt Sue was one-of-a-kind. Always laughing, full of life and loved her family & friends dearly. She was very special to me and will be greatly missed.

She was a beautiful person inside and out. Sorry for your loss. Prayers

Richard, Rebecca and family, so sorry hear that Sue has passed. She was a favorite teacher at FHS, National Honor Society sponsor (I made a lot of popcorn for basketball games!) and friend during her time at JMU. You are in our prayers.

A great teacher, I always looked forward to her classes. My sympathy to her family.

Richard sorry to hear about your sister. Prayers for the family.

Although a cousin, Sue was like a sister to me. We went all through school and life together. Sue was a wonderful teacher and even taught my daughter. She loved adventur, and going to Egypt was her greatest adventure. She was caring and loyal, I loved her laugh. I will miss her.

Sympathy to the family

A very special lady. One of my favorite high school teachers. My sympathy to the family.

So sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort for your family.

So sorry for your loss, Richard and family.