SOUTHBURY — Lucille “Ceil” (Hanlon) Nichols, 87, of Southbury, passed away peacefully all-the-while surrounded by the love of her family on Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, at the VITAS Inpatient Hospice Care Unit of Saint Mary’s Hospital.
Ceil was born in Waterbury at Saint Mary’s Hospital on Nov. 1, 1935, to Irish immigrants, James and Mary (Harrington) Hanlon. After graduating from Waterbury Catholic High School, Lucille married Roy Nichols. She was a savvy businesswoman and entrepreneur.
While raising four children, Ceil created and ran the Southbury Answering Service, the “Pak and Ship” store in Texas and later in life, her home day care back in Southbury.
Ceil grew up in a home of humble means filled with gratitude and family love, and continued those values in her own home. She raised her children in her deep abiding Catholic faith, including daily rosaries, Sunday Mass and prayers with her children before each school day.
She valued education and read daily. As a pastime with her grandchildren, “Nonie” would teach from the dictionary, entertaining them for hours. Family was her greatest joy and pride.
Always well dressed and coiffed, Lucille was a gracious, genuine and loving woman who spread her enthusiasm to others. Dottie’s Diners’ desserts, daily visits and chats with her Dunkin’ Donuts friends in Southbury, her Irish heritage, and reading were some of her joys.
Family was Lucille’s greatest joy; being mom and Nonie were her treasured roles in life. Her love will live on vibrantly in her family.
Left to cherish her love and memory are her children, Kevin (wife Gretchen) Nichols of Florida, Kathryn (husband Robert) D’Olympio of Georgia, Christopher (wife Pamela) Nichols of Prospect, and Sheila Kuhr of Plantsville; and her cherished grandchildren, Zachary, MaryKate, Sarah, Lauren, Rachel, Alexander, Anna and Molly. Ceil is also survived by her sisters, Florence Furlong of Oregon, and Anita Fitzsimmons of Kensington.
Ceil was predeceased by her sisters Kathleen Hanlon and Rosemary Grimes.
A celebration of Ceil’s life will take place in the spring.
Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Nichols family. Please visit prospectmemorial.com to share a favorite photo or memory or to leave your words of comfort for Ceil’s family.
In lieu of flowers, if you so desire memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent dePaul Mission of Waterbury Shelter, 114 Benedict St., Waterbury, CT 06706.
