Lisa Helen Nichols

Lisa was born on August 30th, 1958 in Pasadena, California and lived in LaCanada/Flintridge, California. Lisa passed away on November 15th, 2007 Lisa was the youngest of 8 children of Helen Fitch and Harry Johansing who have both preceded her death. She is survived by her sister Carolyn StGeme of Crawford, Colorado, brother Harry (Hal) Johansing of Lafayette, California, sister Marilyn O'Neil of Baltimore, Maryland, brother David Johansing of Sacramento, California, brother Bruce Johansing of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and brother Robert Johansing of San Salvador, El Salvador. She was preceded in death by her sister Teresa Johansing who died in childbirth. Lisa attended St. Bedes Elementary School in LaCanada and Graduated from Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, California. Lisa attended college at Pasadena City College, and the University of California Santa Barbara. Lisa and David Nichols were married on May 30th, 1981 at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Pasadena, California and are the proud parents of Molly, Daniel, Margaret, Kathleen, Eleanor, Joseph and Peter Nichols. Lisa, Dave and the family lived in the Los Angeles area until 1990 when they moved to Colorado. The family currently resides in Greenwood Village. With a growing brood of her own Lisa found her work as a daycare provider to be a way of helping the family finances and share the great love she had. Every child she ever looked after was just like her own. She taught them all how to share, care, and love unconditionally. Lisa was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease) in 2003. She was confined to a wheel chair in 2006. ALS only affected her movement, not her mind or spirit. ALS affects the nerves that allow one to move, breathe and swallow. Her ALS progressed slowly but steadily and had weakened the muscles that allow her to stand and breath. In August 2004 the people who Lisa's life had touched organized 'Band Together' a festival with music and games as a way to inform the community about ALS and to raise money for Lisa and her children's care and education. You can see the all fun we had at: http://www.ccvillagenorth.org/bandtogether/ In August this year Lisa had a hysterectomy to remove what was originally thought to be a large fibroid. After biopsy the fibroid was classified as a leiomyosarcoma. She recovered from that surgery but developed an intestinal blockage which required another surgery. While recovering from that surgery Lisa developed pneumonia which in the end she could not recover from. Lisa was spiritual and strong person that brought great joy and love to all she new. The first time you saw Lisa each day she would ask 'How are you'. Each time she asked she was truly interested. If there was a problem she wanted to help in any way she could, if you wanted to vent she would listen, if you wanted to cry she would have a tissue, if you wanted to laugh she would join you. By the end of your time with her you had a smile and your heart was lighter. Lisa's legacy is contained in the hearts and souls of all those who new her and the twinkle in the eyes of her children. Memorial donations may be made to the following organizations all of which have aided Lisa in her life: Extra Hands for ALS c/o Steven & Jennifer Bishop 8237 Swadley Court Arvada, CO 80005 ALS Association '"" Rocky Mountain Chapter 1201 East Colfax Avenue, Suite 202 Denver, Colorado 80218 (303) 832-2322 Hotline (303) 832-3365 Fax 1-866-ALS-3211 Toll-Free https://secure.alsaco.org/?content=pledge MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) 720 South Colorado Boulevard #380-S Denver, CO 80246 Primary: (303)691-3331 Primary Fax: (303)691-3379 http://www.mdausa.org/help/donate/ Memorial contributions may be made to: Lisa Nichols Childrens' Trust, c/o Patty VanRuiten, P.O. Box 332, Robbins, CA 95676.