Dace Dzilums Nichols

Dace Dzilums Nichols, 79, of Byron Center, Michigan passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on August 11, 2026. Dace was born on August 14, 1946, in Jönköping, Sweden to Valija Marija (Berkis) Dzilums and Sergejs Dzilums. Her parents had been displaced during the Russian invasion of Latvia and later immigrated to Michigan during her early childhood. Dace graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1965 and went on to obtain an associate degree in general studies from Grand Rapids Community College, a Bachelor of Science from Grand Valley followed by a second associate degree in nursing from Grand Rapids Community College before becoming a registered nurse. Dace met William (Bill) Nichols in 1967 at Michigan State University through a mutual friend, Gunta Millers. The two dated for nine months before marrying on June 29, 1968 at the Latvian Lutheran Church of Grand Rapids.

Dace worked for many years as a registered nurse, selflessly putting her care for others before herself. She retired from St. Mary’s Hospital in 2009 after 27 years of service primarily as a critical care nurse.

Among the things Dace enjoyed most were spending time with her family, sewing, gardening, birdwatching, playing skee-ball, cooking and baking, and following her beloved Detroit Tigers. Being in nature and by the water made her feel at one with life. She volunteered for many years at San Juan Diego Academy in Wyoming, Michigan helping wherever she was needed.

Dace returned to Latvia many times to visit her dear friend, Zaiga Vilks. Together, they shared their love of Latvia with others by serving as tour guides through the American Latvian Association. Dace’s love of travel extended around the world, and she and Bill enjoyed many adventures together.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Valija Marija (Berkis) Dzilums and Sergejs Dzilums.

She is survived by her adoring husband of 58 years, William (Bill) John Nichols of Byron Center, Michigan; sons William, II (Silvia) Nichols of Plano, Texas and John (Jody) Nichols of Fishers, Indiana; grandchildren Marina Nichols Garcia of Plano, Texas, Jaxson Nichols and Jayden Nichols of Fishers, Indiana; and sister Maija Fricsons of Dayton, Ohio.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Latvian Association online at https://alausa.org/en/participate/donate-to-ala/ or to the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden online at https://buy.acmeticketing.com/donate/459?text=hzhr5O4u8ps&fund=10157.