Joan Beverly (Frye) Nicholson

Joan Beverly (Frye) Nicholson, a cherished soul known for her loving generosity and thoughtful nature, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on September 15, 1933, in Leominster, Massachusetts, Joan was the beloved daughter of the late Albert M. Frye and Ruth V. (Worthen) Frye and sister to the late Donald W. Frye. Her life was a tapestry of familial love, professional dedication, and a ceaseless zest for adventure.

Joan's journey began in the heart of Leominster, where she attended local schools, graduating from Leominster High School before furthering her education at Worcester Business School. Her youthful entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly when, at the tender age of six, she sold ice cream cones at Frye's Ice Cream Shoppe, which was owned by her dad. This early experience set the stage for a lifetime of hard work and service to others.

Joan’s professional path led her to Leominster City Hall, where she worked in various offices, dedicating many years to the community before retiring from the Office of the Building Inspector. Her colleagues remember her as a pillar of reliability and warmth, always ready with a kind word or a helping hand.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Joan was deeply involved in fraternal and community organizations. She was a proud majority member, Past Worthy Advisor, Past Mother Advisor, and Past Grand Deputy of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. Her commitment to service continued with her active membership in Temple Chapter No. 45, Order of the Eastern Star, where she formed lasting friendships and made significant contributions.

Joan's creative spirit found its outlet in her talent as an accomplished seamstress. She crafted beautiful garments for her family and herself, each stitch a testament to her patience and artistry. Her creations were not just clothes but expressions of love, treasured by those who had the privilege to wear them.

Above all, Joan was a family woman. Her heart was most full when surrounded by her loved ones. She was the devoted widow of her dear husband of 49 years, Richard "Reggie" Nicholson. Joan was a loving mother to her daughter, Faith A. Nicholson, and a supportive mother-in-law to her son-in-law, Robert E. Thomas. Her son, Scott A. Nicholson, will carry forward the strength and compassion she embodied. Her grandsons, Matthew P. Nicholson and Brandon A. Nicholson, as well as her great-grandson, Jacob Nicholson, will forever be inspired by her legacy. She is also survived by her beloved cousin, Gail Ann (Worthen) Fitton.  And let’s not forget Reggie, the granddog, who predeceased Joan but surely greeted her with a wagging tail on the other side.

Joan's love for travel took her across the United States and beyond its borders. She treasured her trips to Cape Cod, reveled in the beauty of Hawaii and Alaska, and cherished her visits to Scotland and England. Her adventures also included serene ocean and river cruises throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, each journey enriching her life with new experiences and memories.

Joan’s life was a beacon of love, her every action imbued with generosity and thoughtfulness. Her presence will be profoundly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Joan's spirit, however, will continue to guide and comfort her family and friends, as they celebrate a life well-lived and a woman well-loved.

As the sun sets on Joan's earthly chapter, her story remains a source of inspiration, a reminder to live fully, love deeply, and stitch the fabric of our lives with care. Joan Beverly (Frye) Nicholson's legacy is one of enduring love and boundless kindness, a legacy that will be cherished for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Shriners Children’s Hospitals.  shrinerschildrens.org 

Calling hours are Monday, April 22, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Richardson Funeral Home, 106 West St., Leominster. 

The funeral will be Tuesday, April 23 at 10:00 A.M. at Richardson Funeral Home. Reverend Susan Suchocki Brown will officiate. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan Beverly (Frye) Nicholson, please visit our floral store.