Loretta K. Nickels

Loretta [Lori] Nickels passed away on December 18, 2025 at the age of 85 in Westerville, Ohio. Born in Joliet, Illinois to the late William and Ruby Wegryn, she graduated from St. Francis Academy before earning her degree from the St. Joseph Mercy School of Nursing in 1962. She enjoyed a long and satisfying nursing career, especially her time spent as an orthopedic surgical nurse.

After settling in North Aurora, Lori and her husband, Larry, started their family of three children (Larry, Laurie, and Ken). When she wasn’t busy raising her family or nursing, Lori enjoyed creating art, gardening, cooking, reading, and of course, cheering on her beloved Chicago Cubs (Go Cubs Go!), Chicago Bears and Notre Dame football teams. In their retirement years, Lori and Larry enjoyed a yearly visit to Cape Cod where she could glimpse one of her favorite sights: historical lighthouses. Lori moved to Westerville, after the loss of her husband in 2016, and resided there for the past nine years.

Lori was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence [Larry] Nickels and her brother, Bernard Wegrzyn. She is survived by her brother, Bill (Pat) Wegrzyn; her children, Larry (Amber) Nickels, Laurie (Tom) DesJardine, Ken (Laurie) Nickels; as well as her grandchildren—Zachary, Natalie, Kylie, Maggie—and great grandchildren, Justin and Carlie.

Lori was a lifelong learner who held strong opinions on many issues and subjects—and never shied away from sharing them! She loved to laugh and took a great interest in her loved ones’ travels and adventures. She will be missed as a mother, mother-in-law, sister and as the “World-Famous Meemaw”.

The family wishes to thank the medical team who cared for Lori, especially Dr. Connie McCoy and the OhioHealth-Compassus Hospice team, particularly nurses, Heather and Tiara.

A family memorial service will be held at a later date this coming spring.

Donations may be made in memory of Lori to the Westerville Area Resource Ministry (W.A.R.M.).