JOANNE RAE NICHOLLS

Joanne Rae Nicholls, a faith-filled, loving, and selfless woman, passed away peacefully on Aug. 14, 2023. Born on July 9, 1938, in Detroit, Joanne was a woman of strong faith, unwavering love, and selfless dedication to her family and community.

Joanne was married to the love of her life, Garfield “Gary” Nicholls, on July 6, 1957, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Detroit. She was preceded in death by Gary on July 7, 2017. Joanne and Gary moved from Detroit to Ossineke in 1976 where they built a life filled with love, laughter, and faith. She was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church and was known for her commitment to her faith and church community.

She generously devoted her time and talent to cooking for the Lions Club, a testament to her giving nature. Joanne was also a member of the Newcomers Club, where she made many lifelong friends. She had a love for games, particularly Pinochle and Euchre, which she enjoyed playing with friends and family. Joanne had a fondness for nature, often spending hours watching hummingbirds in her garden. Yet her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, to whom she devoted much of her time and love.

She is survived by her children; Philip (Penny) Nicholls, David (Krysten) Nicholls, Kevin (Kim) Nicholls, and Pam (Peter) Nowak. Joanne was a proud grandmother to 14 grandchildren: Andrea Smith, Dan (Ruchi) Nicholls, Tom Nicholls, Rachael (Sam) Ferguson, Jared (Danielle) Nicholls, Keith (Nicole) Nicholls, Morgan (Max) Van Dresser, Lindsey (Robert) Beckley, Colin Nicholls, Alyssa Nicholls, Erika Nicholls, Britni (Anthony) Luongo, Brody Nowak, and AJ Nowak. She was also the doting great-grandmother to 16 great-grandchildren: Khari, Keiston, Kellen, Kierrsyn, and Kynnlee Smith, Jackson Dobos, Annabelle Ferguson, Lillian and Oliver Nicholls, Charlie and Reagan Nicholls, Tristan and Ariah Sorensen, Brooks and Hadley Luongo, and Grayson VanDresser.

Joanne is also survived by her sister, Donna Hughes, four nieces, two nephews, and her special friend and caregiver, Nancy Niergarth.

Joanne’s family and friends will remember her as a giving, caring person who never had a harsh word for anyone. Her kindness and selfless nature were a beacon of light to those around her.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023 from 2 to 8 p.m. at McWilliams Funeral Home. Visitation will resume on Saturday at Grace Lutheran Church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Tom Orth officiating. Interment will be at Grace Lutheran Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to Huron Humane society or Second Chance Animal Shelter.