Marilee Lawson Nichols

Marilee Lawson Nichols, age 70, of Sebring, Florida and Lyndonville, Vermont passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2013. She was born on April 3, 1943 in Lyndonville, Vermont to Robert Edwin and Calista Ann (Luther) Lawson. She was raised in Lyndonville and graduated from Lyndon Institute in 1961. She went on to Champlain College where she obtained her Associates in Business in 1963. She married George L. Nichols in 1964. They settled in Lyndonville and had two children together, Brian and Kathleen. Marilee and George owned and operated Speedwell Gas until his death in 1991. In addition to being a successful businesswoman in partnership with her husband, she was also a devoted wife and mother. She was a mentor to several young people who felt a very strong bond with her that continued over multiple decades. She enjoyed world traveling, cooking, designing and gardening. In 2000, she took up winter residence in Sebring, FL where she was active traveling, playing golf and taking up pickle ball. She is survived by her mother Calista Lawson of Sebring, FL; her son Brian Nichols and his partner Kim Gammell of Lyndonville and grandchildren MacKenzie Nichols, Rylie Nichols, Dylanie Nichols, Kirbie Nichols, Cory Gammell and Erin Gammel; her daughter Kathleen Nichols and her partner Ric Messier of Lyndonville and granddaughter Izzy Dodge. She is also survived by her companion for the last 20 years, Don Chamberlain and his family. Marilee had a kind heart and has been a mentor to Jason Prendergast for the last 25 years. Marilee was not only the sister-in-law but also a mentor to Rachel Nichols Lamoureaux who lived with Marilee, George and their family before she got married. Later, Rachel, along with her boys Philip, Bradley and Gregory lived with Marilee after George passed away. A memorial service will be held later in the spring in Lyndonville, Vermont, in either April or May. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Caledonia Home Health Care & Hospice, P.O. Box 383, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819. Arrangements entrusted to: Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home www.stephensonnelsonfh.com