Mattie E. Nichols

Mattie E. Nichols 1934-2008   Mattie E. (Gallagher) Nichols, 73, of Hampden, passed away peacefully in the loving presence of her family on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at home.  Born in Caribou, Maine and a long time resident of Hampden, she was the daughter of the late James and Alice (Macomber) Gallagher.  Mattie was a retired employee of the Duc-Pac Corp of East Longmeadow.  She had also worked part time as a town marketer for the Springfield Republican and also at RGIS Co., of West Springfield.  Mattie was a member and deacon at the Federated Community Church of Hampden.  She was a volunteer at the Hampden Senior Center and taught line dancing classes there.  An avid line dancer, she was a member of the One Eyed Parrots Club of Chicopee.  Mattie was predeceased by her husband, Albert L. Nichols in 1993.  She leaves her son, William T. Nichols and his wife, Linda of Hampden; her daughter, Constance Andwood of Hampden; a brother, Gerald Gallagher of Florida; three sisters, Florence Francis, Constance "Connie" Croze and Judith Gallagher all of Chicopee; two grandchildren; William A. Nichols and his wife, Emily of Wilbraham; Jeremy D. Nichols of Holyoke; two great grandchildren, Jeremy A. Nichols and Alexandra Jeanne Nichols both of Wilbraham and many nieces and nephews.  Calling hours for Mattie will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at the Ratell Funeral Home 200 Main St., Indian Orchard from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 12, 2008 in the Federated Community Church 590 Main St., Hampden at 10 a.m.  Burial will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Hampden.  Memorial contributions in Mattie's memory may be made to the Federated Community Church P. O. Box 246 Hampden, MA  01036. For Guest Book www.ratellfuneralhome.com . Ratell Funeral Home (413) 543-3836