Doreen P. Nicholson, 45, died Monday, August 6, 2018 at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. She was the beloved wife of Richard W. Nicholson. They had been married for twenty-one years.
Born in Staten Island, New York, she was a daughter of Eileen M. (Kessler) Lee of South Windsor, CT and the late Robert F. Lee. She was a graduate of Bryant University and she had worked as an accountant and CPA for many years.
She was a founding member and current Chairwoman of the Smithfield Education Foundation. She was an enthusiastic supporter of Smithfield Athletics, including Girl’s Softball and Girl’s Basketball as well as soccer. She volunteered her time and professional expertise to various youth teams in Smithfield and various town organizations. At one time she served as vice President of the LaPerche PTA.
Besides her husband and mother, she is survived by her children, Ashley N. Nicholson, Jessica L. Nicholson, Megan L. Nicholson and Richard R. Nicholson, all of Smithfield, as well as her siblings, Colleen M. Lee of Ellington, Connecticut, Patrick F. Lee and his wife Jenneen of East Windsor, Connecticut, and Shaun M. Lee and his wife Jennifer of Lexington, Massachusetts.
A Mass of Christian Burial to which relatives and friends are invited will be held Saturday at 10am in St. Michael’s Church, 80 Farnum Pike, Smithfield. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland. Visitation will be held Friday from 4-8pm in the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Rt 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. Please omit flowers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Smithfield Education Foundation, 49 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917 .
Hi, for those of you who may not know me, I’m Ashley, Doreen’s oldest daughter. We are all here today to celebrate my mom and the amazing life she lived.
My mom grew up in Marlboro, CT, a small town just like Smithfield. She was one of four children- a sister of colleen, Patrick and Shaun.
Throughout Mom’s childhood, she played softball and was the co-captain of her high school cheer team. She also loved to drive and taking trips to the beach. Mom graduated high school as an excellent student. In her yearbook, she had written that her dreams were to become a CPA, have 3 children (sorry Richie) and to drive a red Cadillac allante. Mom accomplished all of this and more. After high school, she decided to pursue her education at Bryant College, at the time, ironically in Smithfield RI. Through college, she worked with her Dad who was also an accountant. One can only imagine how much they loved spending their time together. Mom had the biggest heart for her father and he was one of her biggest inspirations. One of the most important things that happened during her time in school, yet outside of the classroom, was meeting my Dad. My Grandpa and my Dad happened to know each other previously through work. The first time my parents spent time together was at my Mom’s best friend’s wedding. My dad and grandpa were talking for a while at the wedding and my mom made attempt to save my dad from the conversation. Little did she know at the time that she was probably saving her father from mine. Shortly after meeting, my uncle recalls when Grandpa used to say how great it would be if my Mom and Dad were able to get together. Though her father passed when she was 21, and my dad was never able to get his actual blessing, everyone knew that he loved my dad. Later in life, my parents started their own businesses together.
Throughout the last 20 years of her professional career, her most important work was her family. And man was she busy. Following in her parent’s footsteps, she too had four kids –Jessica, Megan, Richie and myself. From 1999 to now her focus was always on us. She did everything to make sure we had the fullest and best lives possible, even while owning her own business. Most days, all four of us had something going on all in different places. Yet there was not a second thought about making it all happen. But it wasn’t just our lives she was a big part in. She was also always involved in her own sibling’s lives. No matter how many events we had jam packed into a single weekend, she never thought twice about bringing her siblings and families together. This was always her priority.
Each year we had a packed schedule between sports seasons and vacations. Vacation was also an important part of bringing our family close. From normal trips to Disney to cruises and Outer Banks.
One thing mom really had a knack for was being the 10th caller and winning tickets over the radio. She would always have everyone in the car start to dial their phone and quickly keep calling over and over again.
For mom, four kids must not have been enough. Having a dog was one more task Mom was able to take on. And when I left for college last year, a second dog was on her mind to fill the house back up. In May, the day after attending a concert in Hartford she won tickets to, Mom and Dad took the long trip to Amish Country in Pennsylvania.
Though this trip had been long, driving all around was kind of a norm to mom. There was always a soccer game or tournament every weekend out of state. Early mornings and late nights she always took us where we needed to be. Mom was involved in everything around the community. From coaching to PTA’s to cheering on every team on the field, she always brought her support to Smithfield. Seeing and knowing all of you sitting here today, it is amazing to see how many hearts my mom has been able to touch.
Mom, we were extremely fortunate to have known a person like you. But you were not only a Mother. You were our biggest supporter and role model. You have been a part of every single step in our lives. You knew things about ourselves before we even did. We always found you a step ahead of everyone else. You have accomplished such amazing things and even though we have lost you at a young age you have lived such a full life.
We may have physically lost you, but we know that you will live on in our hearts forever. In everything we do, we know you will be guiding us in the right direction and making sure we will do the right thing. Throughout this time, each of us have been able to feel your strength and your comfort. Keep sending us signs so we are reminded you are with us and don’t forget to send dad pennies.
Heads up for yes and tails down for no. He still needs you! We will miss your pregame texts and “Good Luck Buddy” when we walked out the door. The random bitmojis and facetime calls. We are going to miss sitting outside on the deck enjoying the chicken you always cooked. Now dad is going to have to step up his game.
To me, you were my everything. No matter where I was or what I was doing
you were always the person I turned to. Whether it was just calling to pass time
while I was away or to ask a simple question you always had an answer to. As I have grown up, I have become more and more like you. People always say that I talk like you and be feisty like you. And let’s face it, you were a bit feisty. But only in the way to protect those around us. I would never change the person you have raised me to be for the world. It has always been me and you against the world but I know that will never change. I will continue to think about what you would do in every situation I am in. I can feel the strength you have taught me and inspired me to have. And thank you, Mom for being my best friend. For always having my back and supporting everything I did. I look up to you mom and I strive to be the person you are one day. Knowing how much of an incredible person you were, I know that may be hard to do but I will always try my best for you. I will love you forever mom and I miss you lots.
Ash