Marian "Nancy" Nickels Obituary

Those unable to attend the service ~ may watch the Live Stream Here:

Marian "Nancy" Nickels

With the rising of the morning sun, Marian “Nancy” Nickels, 97, entered eternal rest in the arms of the Divine on July 11th, 2025. Nancy was born on Germany Hill in the town of Tioga (NY) on June 13, 1928, to Clara and Irving Zorn. After her graduation from Owego Free Academy, she met and married the one and only love of her life, Phil Nickels. Together they raised their children who survive them both: Tom Nickels (Cathy Fitzgerald), Cindy Middendorf (Wayne), Becky Coldwell (John) and Sue Ellen Baker (Tim). Nancy leaves several grandchildren, great grandchildren, great -great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and her dear and special friends, Marcia and Jim Pierson. She is predeceased not only by her husband, Phil, but also by her granddaughters, Sandi Jo and Elizabeth as well as her great- great granddaughter, Morgan.

The greatest joy in Nancy’s life was without a doubt, her family and friends. She was the beloved matriarch to 5 generations of men, women and children. Nancy had a rare ability to weave her love into the hearts of all those who knew her. As one friend put it, “Nancy had a knack of blessing everyone she met, especially if you were lucky enough to find a spot under her wing.”

Throughout her life, Nancy had a deep empathy for all those who were less fortunate than her. She made sure that the hungry were fed and that the lonely were reminded that they were loved and never forgotten. Even in her elderly years, she humbly found her way to the rooms of those at Elderwood at Waverly to hold the hands of those who were sick or dying. She was a “people magnet” for the patients and staff alike. Her wit and charm brought smiles and laughter even on the darkest days. Her life of service, mercy, and grace will serve as a legacy of light and love that will continue to shine for generations to come.

With the anticipation of every family event, Mom would always say to us, “Well, by that time, I will be pushing up daisies.” Your family will all be looking for those beautiful flowers from now on, Mom. We were so very blessed to be your kids!

Now that her earthly work is completed, we are certain that she has been met at Heaven’s Gate listening to her Lord as he says, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

A gathering to celebrate Nancy’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 23rd at Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 Main Street, Nichols, NY. Visitation will be from 9:30 am to 11 a.m. with a memorial service immediately following at 11:00 am. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting her guestbook at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com

Those unable to attend the service ~ may watch the live stream of her service here:

Those who wish to remember Nancy may do so by offering a donation in her memory to one of the following: Radio Ministry Fund, c/o Athens Wesleyan Church, 3903 Wilawana Road, Sayre, PA 18840 or the Gibson Corners Cemetery Fund c/o Edie Granger Fogle, 1035 Anna Marie Drive, Apt 237, Johnson City, NY 13790 in loving memory of Marian “Nancy” Nickels.