Rosalie Kerrigan Nichols

Rosalie (Rosella) Kerrigan Nichols, age 91, of Bedford, Virginia, passed into eternity on July 8, 2015 having been surrounded by family, friends, and caregivers.  Mrs. Nichols was predeceased by her beloved husband, Samuel Kent Nichols, his two brothers and two sisters, and her four brothers and five sisters.  She was born April 30, 1924 in Hartford, Connecticut into a large Irish family. Lovingly known as Sis to her extensive Kerrigan family, she was the last of her generation and the matriarch of the family.  Rosalie and Kent were married December 1, 1945 after his service duty in World War II with the Army and they began to build not just a life together, but the house they lived in for the rest of their lives in Bedford, Virginia.  “Otterwood” was the destination of many family trips over the years and a favorite place for friends and family to visit.  Many will remember Rosalie Nichols as Principal William Lee’s secretary at Liberty High School.  She had a dry sense of humor, and though quiet, kept everyone on their toes and amused – she brought 91 years of joy to those around her.  She was a woman of deep faith and a member of Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Bedford, Virginia.  She cared deeply for her former and current priests, Father Steve McNalley, and Father Salvador Añonuevo, and the family wishes to thank them also for their devotion to her spiritual wellbeing.

Mrs. Nichols is survived by many nieces and nephews: Patricia Kerrigan Caron, Kathleen Kerrigan and George Dasney of Fullerton, California, Janet Kerrigan and Barry Shea of Newport, Rhode Island, and Ann-Marie Kerrigan of Hartford, Connecticut;  Bill and Lynda Harris of Richmond, Jerry and Jeanne McKeever of Richmond, Jim and Morning Nichols of California, John Nichols (San Francisco Bay area), Karen Nichols of Bedford, Mary Rob Harris Clodfelter of Ohio (wife of Harve Clodfelter, deceased), and Barbara Nichols.   Numerous great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews including her namesake Rose-Ellen will mourn her loss.  Kent and Rosalie did not have children of their own, but maintained their home atmosphere as a welcoming one for all their relatives and good friends.   One of these good friends, Mary Pollard, has been her primary caregiver since the time of Kent’s death, and the family would like to thank her for her dedication and service and love shown throughout this time of care.  Cindy, Carolyn, and Morgan and others have also given tirelessly of their time and heart in service to Mrs. Nichols’ care. The family also wishes to thank Gentle Shepard Hospice and the Bedford Life Saving Crew for their help.

Family visitation will be Sunday July 12th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory in Bedford, Va. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11AM on Monday, July 13th at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Bedford, Virginia on Oakwood Street, with Father Salvador Añonuevo, Celebrant.  Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Rosalie’s memory.

Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford, is assisting the family.