Catherine "Cathy" Nicolay

Catherine "Cathy" Nicolay passed away peacefully at McCrite Senior Living in her hometown of Topeka, KS on March 3 at age 87.
Cathy was preceded in death by her husband, Robert "Nick" Nicolay. She is survived by her children: Julie (Wayne) Larrivee, Rob (Gerry) Nicolay, Matt (Tracy) Nicolay and Chris Nicolay; and grandchildren: Scott (Rachel) Larrivee, Bryan Larrivee, Paige Nicolay, Sloan Nicolay, Kate Nicolay and Isaac Nicolay.
Throughout her life, Cathy was always dedicated to her family. She gave her fullest effort and unconditional love to raising her four children, allowing them to develop their own unique personalities and supporting each of them on their life paths. As her parents aged and experienced declining health, she cared for them with love and devotion.
Cathy and her husband, Nick, had a long and wonderfully intertwined life together. They were each the focus of the other's existence. Through his life and until the end, Cathy incessantly cared for her husband, reliably being there to support him, feed him, and help him navigate life's difficulties, doldrums and triumphs. As Nick aged, Cathy was constantly his voice, his support, and his champion. Her family was always the focus and guiding force of all her thoughts, emotions, and energy.
Cathy worked tirelessly to improve and maintain her home and the space she occupied. She believed deeply in making the spaces beautiful and welcoming, which was of immense importance to her and how she wanted others to feel welcome. She celebrated holidays by consistently setting up holiday-themed displays for each season (many of which featured stick creations built by her husband, Nick) and always sent cards out on each occasion and for every birthday. She tended to the people in her life in a million tiny ways, making sure to know you were always on her mind through small, but frequent acts of kindness, remembrance and generosity. Cathy enjoyed delving into the lives of everyone she met, learning about them all she could, and celebrating their lives and achievements.
As we bid farewell, we remember her well-lived life that was devoted to the people she loved. Her caring and reliable spirit will continue to inspire and influence all of us who knew her well to continue working to be the best that we can be, and to take care of those who are important and dear to us. Cathy's memory will be cherished and kept alive in the hearts of all who loved her. She has left our world a brighter place, and for that, we are eternally grateful.
The Nicolay family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all who helped with Cathy's care over the past few years, especially the dedicated and compassionate doctors, nurses and staff members at St. Francis Hospital, McCrite Senior Living and Midland Hospice. According to her wishes, there will be no visitation or formal memorial service. If you wish to honor Cathy's memory, the family suggests a gift to Midland Hospice (https://midlandcare.org/support-us) or one of her favorite charities, Topeka Rescue Mission (www.trmonline.org), or to a charity of your choice.