This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, Jane Nicholson, 54, born on May 18, 1957 and passed away on November 23, 2011. We will remember her forever. She seemed shy and reserved, but once you got to know her, she was a funny girl! She had a heart of gold and loved her family above all else. She loved her husband Rich more then words can express, and he was the reason she decided to fight the evil disease that stole her life. She was quiet a lot of the time, but once you got her going, she said and did some of the funniest things ever. She defiantly marched to the beat of a different drum, but that's one of the most endearing things about her. It seems we never know what we have til it's gone, and this certainly holds true in this situation. When we found out she only had a couple months left- NO ONE could believe it. She never hurt a fly. She never smoked even one cigarette, never did illegal drugs or drank even socially. She always put everyone else first ahead of herself. Including her animals. When Sammy (her new puppy) was sick with Parvo- she went and visited him every single day and laid in his kennel with him, and she knew she wasn't feeling well, she just was not sure why yet- but she refused to do anything about what was going on with her until she knew her puppy was going to be ok. That speaks volumes about the love she had for her family (yes, Sammy is part of her family) Then we got her to go to N. Fl where we found out she was more sick then we ever could have ever imagined. The last couple months went super fast. We took her to the Josh Groben show and she had the time of her life. She looked beautiful and even wore tall platform shoes to the show. Even @ age 54- she still had "it". She did what made her happy. During the Josh show- she stood up and played her "air-violin" as she was known for.
Although she never had any of her "own" biological children, aside from her animals, she always wanted a big family, which is exactly what she got when she married into the Nicholson family 15 years ago. She got two wonderful step sons Matt and Eric, who gave her some pretty nice daughters in law- Nikki (aka Leslie),Karen and Mary. And between the 3 of those women, they gave her a total of 7 grand babies. She was always looking for things to buy them, she loved to shop for the grand kids more so then shopping for herself!
She always spoke highly of her mother, and always said how pretty and social she was. She was a 'daddy's girl' and loved him so much. She has a sister Alane that she totally enjoyed spending time with. She also has a brother in TX.
When she first learned of how serious her illness was, she went catatonic on us. She didn't want to fight. She wanted to give up quickly, until the love of her life came up behind her while standing in the kitchen with tears in his eyes and asked "What will it take for you to fight this" She replied "Marry me again" And with that, we planned a wedding for Thanksgiving day. Her health was declining faster then then the wedding day was approaching, so the day before we were set to go to the Hilton in Daytona, we called a justice of the peace to the house, and had a very beautiful intimate ceremony in her bedroom with herself, her groom, her matron of honor (Her sister) and her 2 flower girls Phoebe n Paige, and her daughter in law Karen. They exchanged their written vows and retied the knot and then we rushed off to The Hilton a day early for her honeymoon. The next day was the last day Jane was with us. She took her last breath while she was asleep and being held by her husband who helped her cross over to the other side and gave her directions to The Rainbow Bridge, where Levi their dog was waiting for her. She will always be missed. All we have is the time that is NOW. So in Jane's honor, and for yourself, live everyday like it's your last, smile big, dance when it's not 'appropriate' and do what makes you happy. That's how Jane did it, and she did it well.
Tributes
Leave a tributeThe dead they sleep, a long,long sleep -
The dead they rest, and their rest is deep.
The dead have peace and the living weep.
So weep if you must - because parting is hell!
But life must go on - so please - live it well!
I wish that I could take your pain away from your loss of your beautiful wife, Jane. Though we only met once or twice, she brought you so much joy and was such a loving wife. She made you so happy . Hold onto your memories for they will be in your heart forever. What a special tribute to her life. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Lorie Robertson, Daytona Beacdh, Florida
The Protocollo Family
~ Lynn Herling Hotle, Toccoa, Georgia
~ Gregg Eckersen, Port Orange, Florida
Leave a Tribute
It’s been well over 10 years and I’m sorry for neglecting your memorial. This whole ‘adulting’ thing is rough, though you’d be proud to hear that I figured the career-aspect of my life out! Although I’m not a Doctor like I hoped to be, I finished the requirements to become a behavioral therapist in December 2022 for children on the spectrum as well as those who have a hard time growing up, like I did. I love it, and I love my kids. I really believe the things I had gone through as a child has made me the better therapist I am today for my kids and it’s very fulfilling.
Skyler and Savannah are huge now! Skyler is growing up to be a wonderful young man who is the funniest kid I know and Savannah is the most beautiful young woman I’ve ever met. Both are doing well and have bright futures ahead of them.
I’m finally on my own now as well as Paige! We both have our own homes and new cars. I’m sure you’ve seen my love of five years, too. He’s the sweetest and most caring man, and the one person who keeps me going. Can you believe we’re gonna get married next year? I’ll be sure to save you all a seat.
I’m sure you’ve met Nana and Grampy up there a few years ago, give them an extra hug for me. I really miss them, too.
I promise I won’t let as much time go by again, and I am truly sorry.
Until we meet,
Phoebe
For all who miss her, but shared her song
The Minstrels
Holding sand within your hand
A mighty feat indeed
No matter how strong
It won’t be there long
It’s nature to be freed
As it falls
To the world it calls
In each grain a symphony
A gentle cascade
In harmony played
In heavens only key
Every note sincere
Then disappear
Her song played day to day
The lucky few
Were those she knew
When they heard her minstrels play
I bet...
I Bet you I was the best 1st grandchild in the world! I bet you mom is still going nuts about you putting a pickle note on her back lasy year! I bet you You where the best Grandmother a 10 year old little girl could have!
(P.S. I bet you i got a qusetion. Are you gonna come to my Tropicanna Speeach on monday???