Mary Ellen Nichols

Mary Ellen Nichols, 94, an award-winning, long-time educator in the Millville School System and author, passed away on November 29, 2009 at her residence in Easton, MD. Mary Ellen was selected as a Teacher of the Year in 1970. She taught grades K through 12 during her career in Millville from 1955 to 1977 when she retired and moved to Washington, D.C. She coordinated the first Head Start and Language Arts and Reading programs in Millville. At Millville Senior High School, Mary Ellen was a reading teacher and learning disabilities specialist, one of the first to be accredited in New Jersey. “Mary Ellen Nichols was a demanding, but compassionate educator,” said Dr Larry Miller, retired Millville superintendent of schools, who was the principal of Millville Memorial Junior High School when Mary Ellen was a teacher there. “She had an uncanny ability to inspire students, even the most challenged students. Mary Ellen wouldn’t allow her students to fail; so their success is a great legacy for this remarkable teacher.” Prior to moving to Millville in 1955, Mary Ellen taught grades K through 6 at schools in Warrenton, VA, Baltimore, and York, PA. Mary Ellen moved to Washington, D.C. after she retired from teaching so that she could be closer to her grandchildren. Mary Ellen enjoyed spending time with her family, and she was extremely supportive of their achievements. She was also very active in the Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church in Washington. She wrote several family journals, short stories and published the book, “Surviving Your Seventies.” Mary Ellen enjoyed painting and playing bridge. Mary Ellen was a member of the New Jersey Education Association, the Millville Teacher’s Association, the Association for Learning Disabilities Teachers-Consultants, the Millville Women’s Club and the Millville Hospital Auxiliary. Mary Ellen held a bachelor’s degree from Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia, and she attended Johns Hopkins University, the University of North Dakota and Glassboro State College’s graduate school. She held a learning disabilities certification form GSC. Mary Ellen is predeceased by her husband, John Nichols Sr., and son, William Nichols. She is survived by her daughter Roselee Roberts and her husband Art of Washington, D.C.; son John Nichols Jr. of Millville; granddaughter Leigh Melton, Esq. and her husband John of Easton, MD, granddaughter Elizabeth Holah and her husband Greg of Portland, Ore.; and four great-grandchildren. The immediate family is planning a private service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bill Nichols Memorial Scholarship Fund of Alexandria, 3300 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302. The scholarship was established in memory of Mary Ellen’s son. Condolences or tributes for the family may be sent to www.fhnfuneralhome.com.

Mary Ellen Nichols

October 25, 1915 - November 29, 2009