Kathryn Falletta Nichols

Kathryn Falletta Nichols, 69, passed away February 2 in Busan, South Korea. She retired from the US Census Bureau in 2018. She lived in South Korea part time for the past three years, taking a course at Kyungsung University and becoming fluent in the Korean language. She had immersed herself in Korean culture, spending time in Busan and Seoul and making side trips to Vietnam and Japan, too.

Kathryn was an adventurous and outgoing person. She loved water sports and was certified in SCUBA diving. She enjoyed foreign travel, and had visited Italy, Great Britain and Russia. She made new friends easily. She was empathetic and nurturing. She enjoyed her side job of serving tea at Hearts Desire Tea Room in Columbiana, and to friends at her home. She liked planning parties, trips and other activities to bring her friends and family together.

Kathryn was the daughter of the late Dr. Gerald P. Falletta and Ann Stephens Falletta. She grew up in Birmingham and lived in Wilsonville for the last 30 years. She was married to George Nichols for 40 years, but they had recently divorced. She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Tarrant Hernandez (Arturo), son Gerald Preston Nichols (Keri Higginbotham), grandchildren Jadea Tarrant and Dani Nichols and great grandchild, Knox Tarrant. She was also a bonus grandmother to Stephen Pinion. She will be greatly missed by her siblings, Patti Greenwood, Alan Falletta, Don and Kelly Falletta, Brad and Miranda Falletta.

A memorial service will be held at 2PM on Saturday, February 28 at Johns-Ridout’s Elmwood Chapel, 800 Dennison Ave. SW, Birmingham, AL 35211. A light reception will follow. There will be a tea room theme, and everyone is welcome to wear their hats, pearls and other appropriate attire.