Margaret Faye Nichols

Surrounded by her family and friends, Margaret Faye Duval Nichols was called home toour Lord on January 30, 2024. Margaret was born in Sherman, Texas on May 18, 1939 toJoseph Sarto Duval and Grace Irene Williamson Duval. She was raised in a loving homeof Christian faith. Margaret loved and cared deeply for her mother, father and brothers.Being the only girl in a home with three brothers, she said that growing up there hadsome “challenges” from time to time.

Margaret attended school at the Saint Joseph Academy in Sherman from first througheighth grade. She then attended Sherman High School until she graduated. During highschool, she volunteered at Sherman Hospital as a Candy-Striper, which began herlifelong desire to provide aid and care for others. Upon graduation, she attendedAustin College in Sherman in pursuit of a Nursing degree. Those plans were put onhold when she married June 6, 1959. She was blessed with two children, son Scott anddaughter Kathleen. During the next several years, Margaret devoted herself to raisingher children and taking care of her home. This was sometimes a difficult task as thefamily moved from state to state every two or three years. In 1970, the family finallysettled in Austin, Texas, and in 1972, moved to the Westlake area. During this time,Margaret garnered many life-long friends and renewed her desire to become a nurse.

 In 1978, Margaret achieved her goal and became a Licensed Vocational Nurse aftergraduating from Austin Community College.In 1979, Margaret began her Nursing career by accepting a job at the Austin StateSchool. She fulfilled her true calling by taking care of those with severe mental andphysical disabilities. Margaret worked at the State School until 1999 when she retired atthe age of 60. She did not want to retire, but the years of working had taken a toll onher physical well-being. Her desire to care for others remained strong, and she beganvolunteering at St. Helen Catholic Church in Georgetown, Texas, where she was aparishioner for many years and made countless friends.Some of her favorite ministries within the church were Homebound Ministers ofExtraordinary Communion, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Meals On Wheels, the Legion ofMary and her weekly hour in the Adoration Chapel.Margaret was very strong in her faith. She leaned on that faith many times as shestruggled to regain her health. Because of her unfailing faith, the family firmly believesChrist was with her when she passed.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Grace. She is survived byher son John Scott Nichols and wife Brenda, her daughter Kathleen Grace Nichols,granddaughter Lissa Marie Nichols and great-grandson Samuel Scott Morris. She is alsosurvived by her brothers Mark Duval, Joseph Duval, Jr. and wife Anna, Richard Duval andwife Natalia, along with numerous nieces, nephews and many great nieces andnephews.

The family thanks the doctors, nurses and staff that worked so hard for Margaret andtook such good care of her during her time in the hospital and care centers. We alsowant to express special thanks to Margaret’s long-time dear friend Sheila Higgins for allthe love and care she has shown through the years. Additionally, we recognize andthank Elizabeth Jimenez for being such a good friend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Society of St. Vincent dePaul St. Helen’s Conference. Please make your checks payable to St. Vincent de PaulConference - St. Helen Church. The mailing address is:St. Helen Catholic Church2700 E. University Ave.Georgetown, TX 78626Please put to the attention: SVDP

Donations may also be dropped off at the parish office Monday through Friday, 9:00 amto 5:00 pm.