Amy passed away Monday, March 14, 2022 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo.
She was born October 19, 1994 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of David and Ruth (Brahlek) Nichols. Amy graduated from Hillside Learning Center in Allegan in June 2021. She loved music, being with her family, listening to her brother read, doing crafts with her teachers and spa days with her nurses.
Surviving are her parents; twin brother, Nathan; grandmother, Nancy Nichols of Brooklyn, Michigan along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Friends may visit with Amy’s family starting at 10:00 A.M., Friday, March 18, 2022 at the Merson Church until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Alan Carson and Pastor Greg Carlson officiating.
Burial will take place at 2:00 P.M., at Maplewood Cemetery in Hopkins.
Contributions in memory of Amy may be made to Hillside Learning and Behavior Center of Allegan.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Marilyn Moore
Dear David, Ruth and Nate,
I am so sorry to hear about Amy’s passing. I know she was well loved by you all and will be greatly missed. My heart breaks for you and I am sending love and prayers your way.
Ruth Nichols
Thank you, Marilyn. The parting is so sad, but we have peace, too.
Connie Brown
Dear Nichols,
It was at once an honor and a privilege to share Amy with you for ten years. The imprint she left on my heart will remain always.
Ruth, Dave, Nathan, my prayer is that God cover you with His love and comfort during this time of loss.
RUTH NICHOLS
Thank you for your prayers, Connie. It is amazing how deeply Amy could touch the hearts of those who knew her, even though she was physically limited in so many ways.
Samantha Reed
Ruth, Dave and Nathan,
We offer our deepest condolences for your loss of Amy. You all were excellent parents, sibling and caregivers. You always knew what she needed before she needed it. She received the best care. She will be missed. Eleanor Heeringa and the Staff at Advantage Private Nursing Services, Inc.
RUTH NICHOLS
Thank you so much, Samantha, Eleanor, and Staff, for partnering with us. Amy’s nurses were family. Thank you for sharing your skills and your hearts.
Donna Hellenthal
Remembering Amy and the sweet spirit that shone through her. She was a special young lady. Lifting your family up during your time of her loss.
RUTH NICHOLS
Thank you, Donna. You said it perfectly: a sweet spirit that shone through her. That is just the way we knew her, too. Thank you for caring deeply about her as a person, not just a student. May God bless you for the good you have done.
Teresa Jarrett
Nichols Family,
I am deeply sorry for the passing of your Amy. May Jesus hold you close giving you comfort and peace.
Teresa (Breining) Jarrett
RUTH NICHOLS
Thank you so much, Teresa. Dave says it must have been the peace that passes all understanding that held us through that night when Amy died because it does not make sense that we would have any peace right now, yet we do. Thank you for your prayers.
Carol Lawrence
I miss her cooing, soft vocalizations that said she was content. Sometimes, she would coo as I stroked her arms or rocked her back & forth while lying on the bed.
I remember Nathan as a little boy, claiming a spot on the couch next to Amy. He would wrap his arm around her shoulders, helping her to sit up straight, holding her hand, loving on her. That didn’t change as they grew up. He would regularly hold her hand and read to her. He and Ruth often popped into the room to talk to Amy while I was there. They watched for her to blink “yes” or “no”. Kim, too, would hold her hand and talk to her. Amy always knew she was loved. Many times, when I arrived in the home, Dave would have her on his lap, percussing her back to help clear out her lungs. He wouldn’t give her up to me until he had her breathing better. It’s a blessing to work with a family like this.
Dave, Ruth, Nathan & Kim, may God give you peace as you go through this time of grieving and loss. We do not grieve as those who have no hope, but we do grieve. Remember the good times as you thank God for the gift that was Amy.
Carol Lawrence
George said to add that he remembers when we met the family while we were at Cracker Barrel. George talked to Amy and she was very responsive to him.
RUTH NICHOLS
Yes! She brightened when people talked to her. She could sense when they really wanted to engage; plus, she loved men’s voices. I’m glad they were able to meet each other. 🙂
RUTH NICHOLS
I will cherish the memory of how you cared for her, tenderly cleaning her nails or washing her face. I loved hearing you sing hymns to her while you did her breathing treatments. You taught us so, so much. We went to you and if you didn’t have an answer, you researched to find one. Amy loved you. You are family.
Gail Kloosterman
Hi, Ruth,
I just happened to read the obituary for Amy. I’m so sorry for your loss and all that you have gone through for so many years.
It seems that she was about the age of our youngest daughter, Annie.
Be assured of our prayers for you as you go through this trial.
Gail Kloosterman, former teacher at RHCS and Katie (Kloosterman)Anderson’s mother.
RUTH NICHOLS
Gail, where would we be without the family of God? Thank you so much for your prayers. God is providing everything we need in this moment. He is good.
RUTH NICHOLS
Thank you for your prayers, Connie. It is amazing how deeply Amy could touch the hearts of those who knew her, even though she was physically limited in so many ways.
Dee Krcatovich
Ruth, Dave, and Nathan,
My heart breaks for you in the loss of Amy. What a pleasure it was to get to know Amy and her family during the years I aided on her bus to Hillside. Her love for her family was so deep and apparent as well as the love and extraordinary care given to her by the family. Amy ran her race on earth with such courage, strength, and perseverance. I’m sure her homecoming was a grand celebration. Rest In Peace dear Amy. You are loved and will be deeply missed.
RUTH NICHOLS
Thank you, Dee. You said it so well: she ran her race…she did! And exactly as you said: with courage, strength, and perseverance. I think we saw those qualities grow in her through the years, too.
Thank you for taking the interest and time to get to know her while she was on your bus. Amy didn’t have an overabundance of close people in her life, but while she was on your bus, you made sure she knew you cared for her. Thank you!