Obituary of Vivian Nichols

Vivian Elaine Wagner Nichols passed away on Sunday, June 8, 2014 in Kernersville NC. She is loved and survived by her daughters Mary Frances Thurston (husband Ralph), Kathy Secrist (husband Michael), and Becky Kalinski; grandchildren April Nichols Kalinski, Kelsey June Kalinski, and Steven Secrist; great granddaughter Reagan Secrist. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years Derise (DL), parents Lee and Mae Wagner and brother Don Wagner. Vivian was born and raised in North Bend Nebraska in 1920. She graduated from Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs Iowa as a Registered Nurse. Her job choices included working in Nebraska, Colorado, California, and then she settled in Virginia. She also enjoyed traveling all over the world and visiting numerous cultures with friends and family. She worked as a RN at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Salem, Virginia for more than 35 years and was known as 'Nick'. Her volunteer years involved the Huff Lane PTA, William Fleming Band Boosters, Red Cross, and a lifetime member of the American P O W organization. Vivian and her husband were charter members of the 200 Club. She is a devote Catholic and was an active member of St. Andrews and St. Gerard Catholic Churches in Roanoke VA. Vivian enjoyed and loved the outdoors involved working with her roses, hydrangea and peonies. Her love of animals involved a variety of family pets. In lieu of flowers, Vivian and her family request that donations be made to Saint Francis Service Dogs, P O Box 19538, Roanoke Va 24019. The family would like to send special thanks to Barry, Cyndi, Scott, and Susan for all of their neighborly assistance over the years. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at the chapel of St. Andrews Catholic Church in Roanoke with interment to follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home. 5160 Peters Creek Road in Roanoke. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home. (540) 366-0707.