Sue Nichols passed away peacefully on October 23, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Maurice and Margery Ruth Blomquist, she was a servant of God, a devoted wife, loving mother, and dear friend.
Sue met her husband, Roy Nichols, in high school in Detroit, Michigan. She attended Henry Ford Hospital School of Nursing in Detroit, while Roy pursued his aeronautical engineering studies at the University of Michigan. Over the next four years, three girls were born: Rebecca, Michele, and Lisa. The family lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Palos Verdes and Santa Ana, California, before settling in Huntsville, Alabama, in 1973, where he founded Nichols Research Corporation.
Sue’s best memories were sharing adventures with her husband of 65 years, Roy. They enjoyed backpacking, primitive camping, canoeing rapids, and later global traveling. Her passion for adventure and exploring found her reading books about strong women, particularly women who overcame hardships and obstacles. She relished spending as much time as possible at their beloved cottage on Torch Lake, which became their second home for the past 45 years.
Sue is quoted as saying, “my highest honor has been being a mother – being entrusted to love and care for my children and share my belief in Jesus Christ with them.” Sue was very active with Girl Scouts before moving to Alabama, and then became involved and held various positions with the Huntsville Botanical Garden, Huntsville Museum of Art, Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care, Constitution Hall Village, Girls, Inc., PEO, and the Junior League. For these and other endeavors, Sue was nominated for the Madison County Women’s Scroll of Honor. With her daughters in high school, she returned to nursing after 20 years, yet still served as an ordained deacon and has remained a faithful member of Covenant Presbyterian Church.
Sue and Roy gave graciously of their time, blessings, and talents to many charitable organizations, their church, and their family.
Sue is survived by her three daughters, Rebecca Boone (Bill), Michele Campbell (Grant), and Lisa Macquisten (Bob); grandchildren, Melissa Tucker (Brandon), Max Sconyers, III (Beth), Kyle Macquisten (Amber), Ella Macquisten, and Cole Campbell; and great-grandchildren, Madison and Camden Tucker, Baker Macquisten, and Lottie Mayfair Sconyers; and sister, Melissa Hurley (Steve). She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Linda Gilmore, and loving husband, Roy Nichols (August 29, 2021).
The girls wish to thank Dr. Marshall Schreeder, Dr. Brian Roberts, and Sue’s many wonderful, caring friends. They are also grateful for the caring support from Right at Home and the loving compassion shown by Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care.
Visitation will be on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 3 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church. A memorial service will follow at 4 p.m. with Rev. Robert S. Seitz officiating.
Friends wishing to commemorate Sue’s life may make a contribution to Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care or Russell Hill Cancer Foundation.
