Connie Marie Nichols

Connie Marie Nichols, a beloved mother, grandmother, caregiver, and Uno player passed away on March 16th, 2025, at the age of 81. Born in Sayre, Pennsylvania on February 9, 1944, she lived the first chapters of her adult life surrounded by the mountains and rivers of upstate New York. There, she helped raise her family while also nurturing and caring for many others. She was a dedicated nurse who advocated for her patients–the indigent, veterans, and those with complex psychiatric needs. As a leader in the medical community, she drove her staff to give the most to those who needed it most.

In 1997, she moved south and continued her legacy of caregiving surrounded by the palm trees and Atlantic waters of eastern Florida until retiring in 1998. She dedicated the next several years to traveling and adventuring, and ultimately to providing live-in care for her mother, Olive, and her sister, Jackie, until their passing in 2016 and 2018 respectively.

Later in 2018, Connie moved north where she spent the final chapters of her life surrounded by the mountains and rivers of western North Carolina, and surrounded by her children and grandchildren. An avid craftswoman, she spent her time knitting, crocheting, and making gifts for friends, family, and the needful. And, playing Uno.

She was the beloved mother of Maura Colvin who lives with her husband, Edward, in Sylva, North Carolina. She is also survived by her son, Kevin Dugan, and his wife, Kelly, of Cherryville, North Carolina. Her grandchildren–who were sources of great joy throughout her life–are Magdalene Marie Colvin, Bailey Dugan, and Becca Bigbie. She was preceded in death by her father, Guy William Nichols; her mother, Olive Arlene Flood Nichols; and her sister, Jacqueline Lee Zaitzew.

A visitation will take place on March 22, 2025, from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Appalachian Funeral Services located at 165 Skyland Drive, Sylva, NC 28779. A memorial service will follow immediately after, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM to honor Connie's life.