Theresa Elizabeth Nicholas

Theresa Elizabeth Nicholas passed on August 20, 2025 at approximately 9 pm, in Mesa, Arizona while living at Windsong Assisted Living Facility. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 27, 1930 to Polish immigrants. She had 3 siblings (all deceased) and two half siblings.

She joined the U.S. Marines where she achieved Sergeant, then married Billy D. Nicholas, also a Sergeant, in 1952 where they engaged in a Marine Corps wedding. Their marriage lasted 71 years.

A stay-at-home mother to three children until 1972, she went back to work at the Social Security Admin. in Salem, Oregon, to assist her children through college.

Her favorite activities were cleaning, cooking, organizing, dancing & singing. She also crocheted and knitted. She was also an active member in the Moose Lodge. Later in life, she enjoyed football and TV shows like Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and Texas Ranger, as well as Hallmark and Classic movies.

Theresa was a dedicated mother and wife while a devout practicing Catholic. She had many friends who will miss her leadership example, warm company, and laughter!

Theresa is survived by her three children and 5 grandchildren – Chris (Jason and Andrew), Karen Zinzer (TJ and Alex), and Theresa Wechsler (her husband Jim, and Meilan).

In honor of her memory, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.