Carland Crook Nicholson

Carland Nicholson of Ross passed away on June 7, from complications from Alzheimer's disease. She had just celebrated her 82nd birthday. Carland grew up in San Antonio, Texas. An avid horseback rider and lover of the outdoors, Carland spent childhood weekends at her family's longhorn ranch, exploring nature and enjoying time with the animals she cared for so much. Books, though, were Carland's first love and her dedication to her studies reflected that passion. She graduated top of her class from St. Mary's Hall in San Antonio and went on to be the first woman in her family to attend college, leaving Texas to venture east to Boston. After earning her BA in History from Radcliffe, she returned to Texas and completed a Masters degree at Rice University with a focus in Texas history. In 1964, Carland married William "Bill" Nicholson, whom she had met while studying at Radcliffe. The newly married couple settled in Bill's home state of Washington, but after a few years, found their way to Ross, where they remained and raised their four children: Courtney, Brian, Kay, and Benjamin. Carland was a dedicated mother, devoting her time to cultivating a love of learning and achievement in her children. Throughout their youth, Carland was a regular volunteer at both Ross School and Redwood High School, as well as holding major volunteer roles in Scouting and 4-H. Carland believed strongly in the importance of giving back to the community and instilling a love of science in children beyond just her own. Her docent work over multiple decades through the Richardson Bay Audubon Society Bay Shore Studies program, the California Academy of Science, and Audubon Canyon Ranch have hopefully helped inspire many future scientists. Carland is survived by her husband (Bill), her four children (Courtney, Brian, Kay, Benjamin), and five grandchildren.A celebration of Carland's life will be held on Saturday, November 5 at 11 am at First Presbyterian Church San Anselmo, 72 Kensington Road, San Anselmo. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Richardson Bay Audubon Society, 376 Greenwood Beach, Tiburon, CA 94920.