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IN LOVING MEMORY OF Betty Jane Nicholson
Betty Jane
Nicholson
Apr 25, 1927 — Nov 30, 2021
Sequim
Betty Jane Nicholson's Obituary
On November 30, 2021, we lost our mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Born in 1927, in Forest County, Pennsylvania, Betty Jane Nicholson, was the oldest of five children to Frank and Wilda Watson. She leaves behind three children, Larry, David, and May Nicholson, seven grandchildren, and two daughters-in-law. She also leaves behind a devoted brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Ruth Watson of Middleton, Maryland. Betty had a thirst for adventure and a desire to participate in the world, living in Venezuela, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Indonesia. She was truly a pioneer of her time.
Betty obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1948 from The State Teachers College at Clarion and a Masters of Education in 1951 from Pennsylvania State University Upon graduating from college, Betty landed a job in Venezuela teaching elementary school. After a few years in Venezuela, she taught school in Saudi Arabia. There she met her late husband, Lorne Nicholson who was an electrician. In 1960 Betty married Lorne and became a wife and mother to three. They continued to live in Indonesia until 1975.
In 1975 her family left Indonesia and moved to Sequim for one year and then Port Angeles and founded Port Angeles' first school based on the teachings of Maria Montessori. Betty believed in equal access to education. She refused to raise the tuition even when her wait list doubled thanks to her teaching expertise. She insisted all socio-economic classes ought to be able to afford the best education available. Instead, she brought in a partner, Sudie Mason, who quickly became her trusted collaborator. Together they provided the children of Port Angeles a truly successful start to their educations. Betty's sphere of influence continues to be felt in this world.
She believed strongly in financial independence. She used tea bags twice and never bought anything new when she could procure it used. She combined this natural frugality with a keen intellect and became a brilliant and self-taught stock market wizard. Even though widowed forty years ago and left with three children to raise on her own, she provided amply for her family and made significant financial contributions to this community.
As a 25-year-old she saw the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Pyramids of Egypt, and the hills of Venezuela. As a 45-year-old she flew to Taiwan and adopted a 2-month-old daughter. As a 70-year-old she sailed the waters of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam and hiked the jungles of Chiang Mai, Thailand. As an 80-year-old she negotiated a "deal" on dental work in Tijuana, Mexico. And as an 85-year-old she fished the waters of the Amazon River in Maunas, Brazil.
She was a devout Christian and community volunteer. She was deeply engaged with the United Methodist Women's Group, The Philanthropic Educational Organization, the Over the Hill Hiker's Club, charities in Africa, and many other community-based organizations.
An avid walker and hiker, Betty was often seen walking up Laurel Street every day between the United Methodist Church and her home. She made the community better by her commitment to children, her service in all endeavors, and her financial donations. She was the best role model anyone could ask for. She sparkled most when educating young children, exploring distant lands, and hiking the back trails of the Olympic National Park. Despite her humble, understated, and sometimes stoic, exterior, there was never a more caring, giving, independent and capable woman. She was, as they say, "loved by many and respected by all." We will miss her forever.
Special thanks to Kat Osborne, a wonderful roommate and dear friend, who lived with Betty for over seven years making it possible for her to live an independent and fulfilled life.
Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 110 E 7th Street, in Port Angeles on Sunday, December 19 at 1:00pm. Reception to follow. Please bring proof of vaccination and masks required.
Betty obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1948 from The State Teachers College at Clarion and a Masters of Education in 1951 from Pennsylvania State University Upon graduating from college, Betty landed a job in Venezuela teaching elementary school. After a few years in Venezuela, she taught school in Saudi Arabia. There she met her late husband, Lorne Nicholson who was an electrician. In 1960 Betty married Lorne and became a wife and mother to three. They continued to live in Indonesia until 1975.
In 1975 her family left Indonesia and moved to Sequim for one year and then Port Angeles and founded Port Angeles' first school based on the teachings of Maria Montessori. Betty believed in equal access to education. She refused to raise the tuition even when her wait list doubled thanks to her teaching expertise. She insisted all socio-economic classes ought to be able to afford the best education available. Instead, she brought in a partner, Sudie Mason, who quickly became her trusted collaborator. Together they provided the children of Port Angeles a truly successful start to their educations. Betty's sphere of influence continues to be felt in this world.
She believed strongly in financial independence. She used tea bags twice and never bought anything new when she could procure it used. She combined this natural frugality with a keen intellect and became a brilliant and self-taught stock market wizard. Even though widowed forty years ago and left with three children to raise on her own, she provided amply for her family and made significant financial contributions to this community.
As a 25-year-old she saw the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Pyramids of Egypt, and the hills of Venezuela. As a 45-year-old she flew to Taiwan and adopted a 2-month-old daughter. As a 70-year-old she sailed the waters of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam and hiked the jungles of Chiang Mai, Thailand. As an 80-year-old she negotiated a "deal" on dental work in Tijuana, Mexico. And as an 85-year-old she fished the waters of the Amazon River in Maunas, Brazil.
She was a devout Christian and community volunteer. She was deeply engaged with the United Methodist Women's Group, The Philanthropic Educational Organization, the Over the Hill Hiker's Club, charities in Africa, and many other community-based organizations.
An avid walker and hiker, Betty was often seen walking up Laurel Street every day between the United Methodist Church and her home. She made the community better by her commitment to children, her service in all endeavors, and her financial donations. She was the best role model anyone could ask for. She sparkled most when educating young children, exploring distant lands, and hiking the back trails of the Olympic National Park. Despite her humble, understated, and sometimes stoic, exterior, there was never a more caring, giving, independent and capable woman. She was, as they say, "loved by many and respected by all." We will miss her forever.
Special thanks to Kat Osborne, a wonderful roommate and dear friend, who lived with Betty for over seven years making it possible for her to live an independent and fulfilled life.
Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 110 E 7th Street, in Port Angeles on Sunday, December 19 at 1:00pm. Reception to follow. Please bring proof of vaccination and masks required.
Drennan & Ford Funeral Home in Port Angeles was entrusted with her arrangements. Please sign the online guestbook for her family at
www.drennanford.com
.
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.
Funeral Services for Betty Jane Nicholson
Memorial Service
December
19
Sunday
First United Methodist Church
Starts at 1:00 pm
Betty Jane Nicholson's Guestbook
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