Bertha Nicholas

Bertha Susanna Nicholas, age 75, passed away peacefully at home on December 9, 2025 following a brief battle with cancer. Bertha was born in Auburn, NY to Bernard and Madelyn (Goodsell) Grubb. She was the sixth of twelve children and shared happy memories of roaming the countryside with her siblings. Following her high school graduation, Bertha moved to Candor, then Ithaca and finally settled in Groton, NY where she was a resident for over 45 years. She worked for several years at Morse Chain before joining Cornell University, where she was an administrator for 25 years. After an unsuccessful first retirement (she got bored), Bertha had a second career at Dryden Mutual Insurance before retiring and moving to New Jersey. Bertha's active and adventurous spirit shone through her life as she raised a large family, earned her associate's degree while working full time, and traveled throughout the US and to France, West Africa and Israel. She loved gardening, her 5-acre property and pond, hosting friends and family, her pets, and her church family. She was a deacon at Groton Assembly of God, taught Sunday School, and sang on the worship team. She had a deep and abiding faith that was a comfort to her and an inspiration to those around her.
Bertha was predeceased by her husband, James Nicholas; five siblings: Bernard Warren Grubb, Leslie Peter Grubb, Deborah Strong, Pauline Grubb and Kathleen Walker; and a grandson, Codi Short. She is survived by her siblings John (Connie) Grubb, Gene Grubb, Jane Grubb, Brenda(Daniel) Furnare, Bernard Charles (Loretta) Grubb, and Jeffery Grubb; children Neal (Charlene) Short, Keith Short, Melissa Brooks, Deborah (Tyler) Stahl, and Jennifer (Travis) Walvoord; stepchildren Patricia (Peter) Sidari, James (Debra) Nicholas, Terry (David) Maratas, and Christine (Richard) Richardson; nine grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren. Services will be held at the Groton Assembly of God, 701 South Main Street, Groton, New York, on Sunday, January 11. Calling hours will begin at 1:30pm, with a service to follow at 3:00pm. Bertha's final resting place will be at the Groton Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bertha's memory can be made to the ASPCA: Memorial Gifts | ASPCA
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8