Mary (Maureen) Clare Nicholson
February 28, 1931 - January 24, 2024
Mary (Maureen) C. Nicholson left us in the early morning of January 24, 2024. She was with her children and grandchildren at the time of her passing. Mary was a native of Malahide in County Dublin, Ireland, and she left home for London at the age of 20 to pursue a career in nursing. She began her career as a nurse in the Royal Air Force. In the early 60's, Mary and some of her nursing friends came to San Francisco where she would spend the rest of her life. Preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Bridgid (Bartley) Coghlan; husband, Jimmy; and siblings, Brendan, Stan, Liam, Colm, Donal and Katherine (Kitty). She is survived by her eldest son, James (Danny) wife, Katie; and grandchildren, Rose, Fiona, James and Cian; daughter, Jane; and grandchildren, Faye and Mairead; son, David and wife, Jennifer. Mary was a lover of the outdoors, movies, reading, sewing and family. Her last years were spent gardening, reading, walking to Ocean Beach to watch the surfers and dogs, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Our mom led a great life. She was open-minded, not a judging bone in her body and always willing to listen. She had a ready and keen sense of humor. May we all take such pleasure, curiosity, and delight in our days as she did. Mary was an amazing mom and grandmother who leaves a big void in the Nicholson family. She's one of a kind and will be greatly missed.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Feb. 19, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Nicholson

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7 Entries

Hither

March 7, 2024

I met Mary´s daughter Jane in high school and started cutting Mary`s hair when I had no idea what I was doing. She was so trusting!

Over the years, I got to know her not just as my friends, mom, but as a human being.

I met Mary when I was 16, and over the 36 years I´ve known her, she was one of the few people I felt completely myself around. Looking back, I realize what an incredible influence she had on me and my own parenting. I learned from watching Mary to love my daughter with complete acceptance and trust in her intelligence and innate wisdom. To engage with my daughter and her friends with respect, curiosity, and genuine interest in their lives.

Mary will always hold a place in my heart and I feel very grateful to have known her and had her influence in my life. When I think of her now, I can see her bright green eyes, her pink cheeks, and her ready smile.

Megan Bourne

February 27, 2024

Danny, Jane and David,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your mom was always kind and so calm (in light of all the chaos we were creating). She gardened like no other. I wish you all peace in this time of grief.
Love, Megan Bourne

Chatty Cotter

February 26, 2024

Maureen was a wonderful neighbour. She was the picture of peace and contentedness sitting in her chair under the shade of her trees in the garden. She loved to chat over the fence and was always so interested and enthusiastic. Life enthralled her and it was contagious. She shared her wonderful fresh vegetables with us often and beautiful smiles. She will be greatly missed round here.
Chatty Cotter

Mollie O´Kane

February 26, 2024

Danny, Jane and David,
I just learned of your mom´s passing. Although I haven´t seen her in many years, she has always been one of my favorite people. She always had a twinkle in her eye and a kind word. When I went to nursing school her generous spirit was what I tried to model my practice after. Prayers to all of you during this time, she will be missed.
Mollie Bourne O´Kane

Helen Wood

February 22, 2024

I met Maureen for the first time on night duty at Children's hospital. It was my second week
And I went to Maureen´s nursing unit for her opinion on an administrative question. We had a cup of tea together at 3 in the morning and she helped me solve the problem.Later we became friends and room mates and had many fun weekend trips together to Carmel and camping at Russian river. She was a wonderful friend and I will miss her .
Rest In Peace Maureen.
Helen

Paul Silvestrini

February 21, 2024

Moureen was the sweetest, happiest, gentlest, and the greatest ray of sunshine in the outer Sunset. We were fence buddies, because our backyards butted up, and she always shared her current crop of lettuce with Our Family. She loved watching our dogs over the years and her face always lit up when the dogs would run up to her and I always got a little bit of gossip about the neighbors. Moureen will be greatly missed. RIP Moureen.