Lillian Anita Nicholson

LILLIAN A. NICHOLSON 1926 - 2008  INDIAN ORCHARD - Mrs. Lillian A. "Lil" (Doyle) Nicholson, 81, died at home surrounded by her beloved family on Sunday, July 13.  She was born in Springfield on August 19, 1926, a daughter of the late James E. and Florence (Lemere) Doyle.  She was a lifelong Springfield resident, attended local schools, and retired from the Springfield Wire Co. after twenty five years of service.  Lil was the wife of the late Homer Nicholson who died on November 1, 2001.  She will be remembered as a loving mother to her children and grandchildren.  She is survived by three sons, John and his wife Carole of Wilbraham, Bruce of North Carolina, and James of Springfield, two daughters, Linda Smith and her husband Larry of Pennsylvania, and Susan Nicholson of Springfield.  She will be sadly missed by her cherished granddaughter, Kelly, and grandchildren, Wendy, Michael, Jill, Jason, Nicole, and James, and great grandchildren, Kaley, Jeter, and Karter and many nephews.  She was predeceased by her brother, James Doyle and sister, Doris Crawford.  The funeral procession will form at 8:45am on Thursday, July 17 at the Ratell Funeral Home, 200 Main St., in Indian Orchard followed by a funeral home service at 9:30am.  Committal services will follow at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel, 1390 Main St., Agawam.  Calling hours at the funeral home are Wednesday, July 16 from 4 - 8pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice Life Care, 113 Hampden St., Holyoke, MA 01040.