Helene Nichols

Helene Joyce Nichols, 79, of Westminster, Colorado passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025 surrounded by her daughters Heidi and Jodi.

Born on August 8th, 1945, in Minot, North Dakota, Helene was a beloved daughter of Hop and Hattie Fennell. Growing up in Minot she had 6 siblings: Barbara, Evie, Preston, Omar, Gene and Kaye, she now joins them in eternity. 

Helene met her love of her life while bowling in California, she married Howard Nichols in Big Bear Lake, California in 1970. Together they built a life rooted in love and family in Colorado. She was a devoted wife and proud mother to two children: Heidi Erzen and Jodi Nichols. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandsons: Tyler and William Erzen and many grand fur babies.

Her career was spent in Telecommunications and she had many colleagues that turned into lifelong friends over time.  With these friendships she enjoyed golfing, bowling and gambling.  With many rounds of golf over the years at many courses, she accomplished the elusive "hole in one", which she proudly saved the ball and score sheet and displayed it in her house.   She traveled to other states to bowl in the National tournaments and in 2019 she received an award for 30 years of consecutive ladies tournaments.  A practical joker until the end, she loved April Fools day, always doing devious pranks to loved ones.  The one that stands out was sewing the arm holes in a jacket so Howard was unable to get his arm thru the sleeve to protect himself from the neighbor dog during a feeding.   As a skilled seamstress, she beautifully sewed her daughters bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen's cummerbunds & ties, even making her own dress for the special day.  Always doing some crafts, painting, crocheting, and gardening, her creativity shined brightly.

As Helene was never one for pomp and circumstance, there will be no formal service.  She wasn’t one for heavy gatherings and preferred happy tears over sad tears. Please honor her time by spending time together, laugh with and love those closest to you, and share fond memories of her in this tribute.  May the memory of Helene bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.