Elizabeth J. Nickel of Colorado Gulch passed away peacefully at home on July 23, 2015. She was 98 at the time of her death.
Born on December 11, 1916, she was the daughter of John and Molly Berger and was raised in Butte with two sisters. Attending schools in Butte, she graduated from Butte High School in 1935 and subsequently studied at St James Hospital Nursing School where she earned her RN. She married Hilary Nickel on November 23, 1938 in Butte where they made their home for the next 25 years. In 1963 they moved to Helena. They were happily married for 54 years until Hilary passed in 1993.
Intensely dedicated to her nursing profession, she earned a reputation for always providing compassionate, loving care to her patients. It was her family and her faith however, that were most important in her life. She was a loving, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Together with Hilary, they raised 5 children instilling in each a strong work ethic, uncompromising integrity and a patriotic love of country. A devout Catholic, Elizabeth was a member of Cathedral Parish and for many years was active in “The Power of the Word” prayer group. In her later years she devoted most waking hours of her day praying for her family’s and friend’s welfare and well being. Her quick wit was never far from the surface in any conversation. She greatly enjoyed heated discussions on politics and rarely was on the losing side of any political debate
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Hilary; son, David; and two sisters, Tilly and Lucille. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Stephan Levine of Redlands, California; son, Steven of Helena; sons and daughters-in-law, Jon and Robyn Nickel of Helena and Hilary Jr and Bonnie Nickel of Bigfork and daughter-in-law Ann Nickel of Peoria, Arizona. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
The family would especially like to thank Rocky Mountain Hospice and Elizabeth’s special caregivers, Wendy Schulenberg and Jessica Slates as well as her dear friend, Joan Heberly for friendship and kindness.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 28th at the Cathedral of St. Helena. A reception will follow the Mass in the Brondel Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Elizabeth’s name may be made to God’s Love Shelter, 533 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601.
Jessica slates says
To the Nickel family,
Elizabeth will surely be missed. She was a very kind caring lady and a blessing to have had a friendship with her she brought many wonderful memories that I’ll always cherish. You all are a great family. Thank you
Jessica
Gail Dreher says
Nickel Family
The world just lost an amazing and wonderful LADY. I feel very fortunate to have known her. HUGS and PRAYERS to all of you.
Dave Dreher says
I’ll miss my steady girlfriend so terribly much, my thoughts and prayers are with her family in your time of grief. Please know many of us grieve her passing too. I know she is rejoining Hillary in God’s care and I’m certain her reunion with my Mom and Dad is joyous. May love and peace be with you all.
Jessica Jeffery says
To the Nickel family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I have many wonderful memories of Grandma and will miss her tremendously. She is a very special lady.
With Sympathy,
Jessica Jeffery
Dave & Thea Van Nice says
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sharon Holmquist Peterson says
Nickel Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss of Betty. She was such a special person and wonderful nurse. I worked with her at St Peter’s Hospital for years. We had some great times-I learned a lot from her-lots of lasting memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Sharon
Carolyn K Pelletier says
Very sorry to read of the passing of your mother/grandmother. You are fortunate to have had so many years of memories to help you through this difficult time. My deepest sympathy.