Wendy Nichols Obituary

WENDY KAY NICHOLS Wendy Kay Nichols, 71, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 27, 2025, surrounded by her children after a courageous battle with kidney cancer. Born on March 31, 1954, to Donald Sr. and Lily (Eddy) Doane of Beaverton, Michigan, Wendy grew up with strong roots in a rural town and spent childhood summers picking cherries in Traverse City with her family. She formed lifelong friendships in high school with Mary and Shirley, where she was a proud member of the Future Homemakers of America. Her love of music grew with her involvement in the band, and carried her through everything life had to offer, including her final days listening to Bon Jovi, country music, and golden oldies. Wendy graduated from Beaverton High School in 1972 and married the love of her life, Jack Nichols Sr., on January 8, 1972. They eventually settled in Standish, where they raised four childrenJack, Jim, Jenny, and Ryanand where Wendy dedicated herself to being a full-time mom, homemaker, and tireless family cheerleader. She poured her energy and creativity into her children's lives and their community. Wendy volunteered with Girl Scouts for many years, attending summer camps and field trips, including the beloved Ice Capades. She also served as the area cookie managera job not for the faint of heart, but one she handled with organization and grace. Wendy found joy in simple pleasures: attending loud, laughter-filled holiday and July birthday gatherings, watching birds out the window, and passionately following University of Michigan football and the Detroit Tigers, win or lose. She also honored her family's legacy as a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), attending meetings with her mother and aunt. But above all, Wendy's greatest joy in recent years was her grandchildren. Whether it was watching them play in the yard or simply just being present, she treasured every moment spent with them. Wendy was a woman of quiet strength, contagious laughter, and endless generosity. She could make you feel welcome with a warm hug, solve a problem with practicality and a joke, and never miss an opportunity to remind you that you were loved. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family, friends, and all those lucky enough to have been part of her beautiful life. She is survived by her children, Jack (Stacy) Nichols, James (Jamey) Nichols, Jennifer Nichols, and Ryan Nichols (Becky Wilson), grandchildren, Brenna, Clyde, and Sibylle, siblings, Dorita (George) Beal, Vickie (Paul) Mills, Donald Jr. (the late Terri) Doane, and Harold Dean (Kim) Doane, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Douglas Doane, and the children's dad, Jack Nichols Sr. A special heartfelt thank you to all her home healthcare workers who made it possible for her to live independently for the past 10 years, and to the hospice nurses and aide who made it possible to fulfill her wishes to peacefully pass away at her home. Donations to the Compassus Living Foundation are suggested. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 2, at 11 am at the Lee-Ramsay Standish Chapel. Family will greet friends at the Standish Chapel on Friday, August 1 from 3 -7 pm, and again from 10-11 am on Saturday, August 2. Immediately following the service on Saturday, the family invites loved ones to a luncheon at the Standish Township Hall. Those interested may then meet the family at Dale Cemetery in Beaverton for the burial at 3 pm.