Jane R. Nichols

Jane R. Nichols, 68, of New Britain, went home to be with the Lord on July 16, 2013 while vacationing at Pilgrim Pines in West Swanzey, NH. Born in Hartford, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Charlotte (Wunsch) Nichols Meehan. She lived in Kensington before moving back to New Britain in 2003. Jane was well known as a loving and caring day care provider in Kensington for over 20 years. Jane was a long time member of Bethany Covenant Church, where she founded the Cherub choir. Jane was a member of the Sanctuary choir and served as choir chair for 20 years. She was also a member of the handbell choir and taught Sunday school at church. She was a former member of O'Rilley's Lassies Drum Corp. Surviving are her sister, Grace Nichols of Iowa City, Iowa; her brother-in-law, Carroll Austin of Kensington; her nephew and nieces, Timothy Austin of Abington, MA, Susan Austin and her partner Julie Johnstone of Weston, MA, and Jennifer Comstock of Iowa; her nephew's wife, Cheryl Austin of New Britain; her aunt, Carol Valauskas of Southington; great nieces and great nephews, Devon Austin of Berlin, Aimi Austin and her husband Joe of New Britain; Jordan and Nathan Austin Johnstone, Alek, Arizona, and Andrew Comstock; a great-great nephew, Aidan Coursey; and the many children she cared for throughout the years. In addition to her parents, Jane was predeceased by her sisters, Ann Austin and Sarah Nichols, and her nephew, Scott Austin. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 6 PM at Bethany Covenant Church, 785 Mill St., Berlin. Calling hours will be on Wednesday from 4 to 6 PM at church. Donations may be made to the family, c/o Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 So. Main St, New Britain. Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.