Frances Nicholas

It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of Frances Nicholas of Homestead Place in Brattleboro. She left this world peacefully on New Year's Day, January 1, 2026.

Frances, known to most as Fran, was a kind and gentle soul to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. A true people person, she loved socializing and connecting with others. Whether chatting with neighbors, volunteering at the hospital, or spending time with family and friends, Fran was always quick to laugh and offer a helping hand. She worked for 30 years as a book binder at the former Book Press in Brattleboro, Vermont. After her retirement she joined the volunteers of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital helping to transport patients throughout the buildings.

Fran was born in Lenox, Massachusetts, on January 12, 1937, to Michael and Anna (Dufleid) Pensivy. She was raised in Lenox and graduated from Lenox High School in 1955. On December 17, 1959, she married Ralph Nicholas in Saratoga, New York. The couple later moved to Brattleboro, where they became longtime residents of Cherry Street and raised their two sons, David and Clifton Nicholas.

Fran was predeceased by her husband, Ralph Nicholas, on February 26, 2003; her son David Nicholas on October 24, 2021; five brothers, Frank, John, Mitch, Vince, and Bill Pensivy; and two sisters, Louise Rannou and Mary Upright.

She is survived by her son, Clifton Nicholas of Brattleboro; her beloved former daughter in law Patty O'Connor of Tennessee, her grandson Joseph Nicholas and his wife Diana of Rancho Santa Margarita, California, along with three great-granddaughters, Callie, Phoenix, and Reia Nicholas; her granddaughter Taylor Perry and her husband Brandon of Enosburg Falls, Vermont, and two great-grandsons, Brantley and Kayden Perry. She also leaves behind Julie Hamilton of Guilford, Vermont, who was loved like a daughter and held a special place in her heart, as well as many nieces and nephews from the Berkshires.

Fran will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, empathy, and kindness will remain in our hearts forever.

Graveside committal services will be held at Meeting House Hill Cemetery in the spring. The date and time will be announced by Atamaniuk Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made in Fran's honor to a charity of one's choice.