Sarah "Sam" Nichols

Sarah "Sam" Nichols, 66, of Kensington, passed away on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at the Hospital of Central Connecticut. Born in Hartford, she was the daughter of the late Charles Nichols and Charlotte (Wunsch) Nichols Meehan. She was a long time New Britain resident before moving to Kensington 18 years ago. She was a graduate of New Britain High School in 1964 and the Backus Hospital School of Nursing in 1969. She was employed as a registered nurse at Backus Hospital and later at New Britain General Hospital before retiring. She also helped her sister Jane with her daycare for over 20 years. "Sam" was a member of Bethany Covenant Church and the Sanctuary Choir at church. She was a former member of O'Rilley's Lassies Drum Corp. She especially enjoyed her time camping at Pilgrim Pines in Swanzey, NH. Surviving are two sisters, Jane Nichols of New Britain and Grace Nichols of Iowa City, Iowa; her brother-in-law, Carroll Austin of Kensington; her nephew and nieces, Timothy Austin of Massachusetts, Susan Austin and her partner Julie Johnstone Austin of Weston, MA; and Jennifer Comstock of Iowa; great nieces and great nephews, Devon Austin of Berlin, Aimi Coursey and her husband Joe of New Britain; Jordan and Nathan Austin Johnstone, Alek, Arizona, and Andrew Comstock; and a great-great nephew, Aidan Coursey. She was predeceased by her sister, Ann Austin and her nephew, Scott Austin. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 6:30 PM at Bethany Covenant Church, 785 Mill St., Berlin. Calling hours will be on Thursday from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at church. Memorial donations may be made to Bethany Covenant Church. Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, New Britain, is in charge of arrangements.