Karen Ann Nichols

KAREN ANN MATTINGLY NICHOLS Karen died at home surrounded by her loving family on August 17, 2014. Born October 8, 1942 in LeRoy, Kansas to Don E and Helen Emily Hasting Mattingly. Graduated from LeRoy High School as Valedictorian in 1960, Washburn University B A History , Department Honors, Summa Cum Laude, 1980 Washburn University School of Law Juris Doctorate, Dean's Honors 1983. Survived by beloved husband Wm Edward Nichols; sons Dr. Richard E Nichols ( Kelly) , Littleton, Colorado and John W. Nichols, Topeka, Kansas, adored granddaughter Larissa Nichols; brothers, Dr. Larry L. Mattingly ( Phyllis), Fleming Island, Florida and Ned A. Mattingly ( Norma) Winfield, Kansas, Sister-in-law Helen L. Hays ( Chuck), White Oak, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews. Resided in Topeka, Kansas, Arlington, Massachusetts; Clementon, New Jersey, Exeter, New Hampshire and Denver, Colorado. After helping her husband through undergraduate and law school and raising two sons, she returned to college and law school and worked as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Kansas before moving to Colorado and assisting in the family law firm of Nichols and Nichols. She had a wide range of volunteer interest, including Florence Crittenton Services of Topeka, Association for Gifted Children, Junior Leagues of Topeka and Denver, Children's Committee of Exeter, New Hampshire, Rocky Mountain Vintage racing; National Vintage Motorsports Council; and Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance. Interest range from the quintessential "" Kansas"" housewife who enjoyed cooking and gardening, loved to decorate homes, including designing and sewing princess dresses, bedspreads, etc to travel and to the more rugged activities including biking, hiking, hunting upland birds, and racing vintage race cars in her Formula Ford. After learning to read at the age of 3, she was seldom without a book, reading up to 150 books a year and tried never to miss her book group. Blessed with musical talent, she played piano from age 5 and could spend endless hours both challenging herself with new music as well as playing by ear. She loved sharing her music with family and friends, particularly at the family's annual Christmas party. Family came first and her happiest moments were always when involved in family activities, whether a simple meal or outings to pursue family hobbies. Karen's last years were spent fighting ovarian cancer and the family asks that in lieu of flowers memorial gifts in honor of Karen Nichols be made to the Gynecologic Foundation 230 W. Monroe suite 710 Chicago, IL 60606.