“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Patricia Ann Nichols, it summarized in every way who she was. She was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around her and always thinking before acting. She was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything she did. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her.
She was the daughter of Orley and Genevieve Mansell. Raised in Temple City, California, she was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, she learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that she would carry with her throughout her life.
As a young girl, Patricia was always aware of how others around her felt and this quality served her well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Patricia was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Patricia was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where she could concentrate, Patricia also had the ability to relate well with her family and friends. Patricia was raised with two siblings. She had older brother Jack and younger sister, Nancy. Patricia was constantly involved in activities with her family. Patricia and her siblings deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.
Patricia enjoyed learning. She always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. Patricia was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. She often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Patricia was painstaking and accurate in her efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. Patricia enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers but she loved to sing and dance.
Most folks would say that Patricia was shy until they got to know her. Those who were privileged to know her well learned that she was a solid, good friend. Patricia was reluctant to generalize about people, and she based her friendships on her personal experiences. Because of this, Patricia best trusted those people that she truly knew. She was concerned about how those around her felt, and she always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. She could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that she made, Patricia kept her friendship with Marguerite Hebert.
Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Patricia. It was as if Patricia naturally sensed her spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Patricia disliked conflict, she did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.
Patricia was a good mother to her children. She had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because she trusted emotions, Patricia was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way she seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around her, always thinking before acting. In addition, Patricia was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around her might be, she seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Patricia was blessed with three children, three sons, Lynn, Lory and Dale. They were also blessed with six grandchildren, Jason, Brian, Aaron, Tawna, Cody and Brandon.
If you gave Patricia a deadline, she would meet it. At work, Patricia was always on task. Without hesitation, Patricia could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. Her primary occupation was a homemaker. but in her younger years she also worked at the phone company and as a secretary for her husband's business. She was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Patricia was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Patricia had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. She was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.
Patricia liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Patricia's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Patricia preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on her hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were collecting dolls. Patricia was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying her hobbies all by herself and could often be found just reading about her favorite pastimes.
While thorough and measured in her approach to things, Patricia often liked to physically do things rather than just think about them. She was like that with sports. She also enjoyed the statistical data and the facts behind the sports. In this way, she was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were football and golf and throughout her later years, Patricia was an active member of the 20/30 club.
Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Patricia had smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that she was the trip planner. She would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations included Hawaii and Las Vegas.
Patricia passed away on December 24, 2010 at home with her family in Riverside, CA. She is survived by her sons; Lynn, Lory, Dale; her sister, Nancy and her six grandchildren; Jason, Brian, Aaron, Tawna, Cody and Brandon and her seven great grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held Monday, January 3, 2011 at 1:00 pm at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Memorial Chapel, 11500 Arlington Ave. Riverside, CA. Patricia was laid to rest in Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Memorial Park, Riverside, CA.
It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Patricia was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Patricia was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of woman to whom everyone was drawn. She was thorough and practical. Patricia Nichols was very literal with her words. You always knew where you stood with Patricia. She will be missed.
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