Went to be in the arms of Jesus on September 22, 2023. She was born on May 29, 1964 in Twenty Nine Palms, California. Chris was the beloved daughter of James and Diane Nicholson; the cherished sister of Cynthia (Jeff) Lange and Caroline (Jeff) Brengarth; the most loving aunt to her nieces and nephews, Lily, Nicholas, Josephine, and Lucas. She was devoted to her career as a nurse, caring for children and adolescents with mental health and behavioral issues. She faced her health issues and disability without complaining or feeling sorry for herself. She was the toughest person we knew. She asked for little and enjoyed the simple things – her dogs (Daisy, Maggie, Shelby, Bella, and Lucy), gummy bears, the warmth from a fire place, a homegrown tomato, a haircut/color, the beach, and a good bargain at the stores. We love her so much and we will miss her every day.
Services; Visitation will be held at Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque Church on September 29, 2023 at 10 AM with the funeral to follow immediately at 11 AM.
Chris was a beacon of warmth and joy. She was also understatedly funny, and was quick witted and lively. She was compassionate, kind, and welcoming to all. Thank you for making me feel welcome, Chris. Prayers for the entire family, who (like Chris) are the kindest people on the planet. The world is less bright without her.
Aunt Chris was an amazing person to everyone she encountered. She was an even better aunt to all of us. She was constantly spoiling us with gifts and always attending our games and supporting us. I have always looked up to her and everything she has done in her career of being a nurse. She has inspired me to study nursing and to have the same outlook on life as she did. She had a desire to make a positive impact on everyone she encountered and was so vividly present in all of our lives. I can only hope to be half of the caring, competent, and passionate nurse that she was. She will be greatly missed by all of us.
Chris was a blessing from God in our lives. For 59 years. Suffered greatly the last 10 years, but carried her cross bravely. She was an inspiration to our entire family. Was a great nurse who loved and cared for the kids in her care.. I was so proud to be Chris’s mother. I will miss her forever. My heart is broken.
Thank you Jesus for giving her to us.
My deepest sympathies for your loss. I pray for Chris’ eternal rest and for all those who mourn her loss.
Chris was the best big sister and we were so lucky to grow up alongside her. She was protective and looked after us. She would do anything for us. Chris was the best nurse and took such great care of the kids she worked with, often better than their own families. If a child was an inpatient at Christmas time, she would buy them gifts so that they had something to open on Christmas morning. She was a really hard worker – frequently working while in pain. She was also very independent. After her leg injury in 2018, she was determined to get back into her house. We often doubted that she would be able to, but she proved us all wrong. I am so glad she got to spend the last year of her life in her home that she loved. I miss her so much already. I love you Chris.
Aunt Chris, your bravery during your fight inspires me. Everyday you would fight, and still manage to go above and beyond for us. Whether it was a christmas gift or birthday present, you still always managed to put a smile on our faces. You are an inspiration to all those who knew you. You are a true fighter that never asked for a single thing in return.
I thank God for blessing me with such an amazing, kind, caring & always loving sister. You always looked out for Cindy & I throughout our lives & you would do anything to help us. You showed all of us what it meant to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and carry your cross. Your love for your work with children was an inspiration to all who knew you & I can only guess what a huge difference you made in so many kids lives that had a hard road. You dealt with terrible pain & never complained. You always made holidays special for all of us by searching for wonderful gifts that were a good deal. You never gave up on anything or anyone, you always fought so hard. You are so missed & so incredibly loved. Thank you for all you did for me Chris, I love you!
Chris you were truly one of the best people I have ever known..Your kindness to others was so exceptional. Your love for your work with troubled children was remarkable .Your whole life you gave to them and made such a difference in their lives.My fondest memory of you was when I went with you to your school as your Grandma for Grandparents breakfast because your Grandma had just passed.I wasn’t her but was your Aunt and very proud to be. I loved you very much my beautiful caring niece. Rest in the arms of Jesus where your pain is now gone forever.God bless you ! Smile down upon us until once again we all will be reunited .
She was an Amazing person and a we all loved her! Rest in Peace Cousin!
You are the most caring, giving and thoughtful person I know. You always had a smile on your face and in a good mood despite being in pain. Always thinking about everyone else before yourself. You will be deeply missed and thanks for being such a great Aunt to our kids. We will miss you and love you.
Let the beauty of each new day nourish your soul and bring you peace.
With my deepest condolences,
Bob Mullen
Aunt Chris was such an inspirational and caring person. She could so effortlessly put a smile on people’s faces despite her own pain. She has motivated others to live a life like her and to be as kindhearted, positive, and passionate as she was. She will be missed
I was very sad to hear of Chris’ passing, and I am thankful that I had the chance to know her. Some of my favorite high school memories are the morning rides that Chris and I shared from Jefferson County to Nerinx Hall. Mr. Nicholson would be driving fast and talking even faster. Chris spent most of the time rolling her eyes at something her Dad said and I spent a good amount of the drive time laughing. We had fun in high school and beyond and I could not have imagined having anyone but Chris as my maid of honor. While we fell out of touch over the years, reading through the remembrances above really illustrates that she never changed from being the fun and caring person I knew. I extend my deepest sympathies to Mr. & Mrs. Nicholson, Cindy and Carrie and the rest of the family. The Nicholson family will remain in my prayers, may God comfort you and grant Chris eternal rest.
Chris, as I write this message I still cannot believe you are gone. You were such a big part of my life and I really enjoyed doing what I could to bring you happiness . I knew you lived your life in such pain but we would never hear you complain. You were one of the strongest woman I have ever known. We shared the love of dogs and I always could talk to you about anything. Even though you are gone, you will always be in my heart. You were a great sister in law to me and I will always Love you. The pain is gone now and you can rest. The tomato garden will never be the same .
Chris you will be missed by so many! I have always admired your strength and thr passion you had for the kids you took care of during your nursing career. I will forever hold the special memories we shared growing up in my heart. You are truly one of the best people I know. Love you always and forever my beautiful cousin.
Aunt Chris was an inspiration to all of us. Thinking back in my life I have never met a person so compassionate while so much was going on in her life. I first realized this was when she worked with the kids
. She was in pain everytime she worked there. Every day she worked to help those kids try to make a way for a better life. Not only did she do this but everytime for Christmas or the holidays she would spoil us with gifts. This just displays the type of person she was and how rare it is to find someone like that. These days all people do is complain and worry about themselves but she was something different. She never complained or made anything about herself. Always thinking about others was her main priority. She was a ray of light in such a dark world we live in. I never realized how a person like this could change so many peoples lives and the way they think about life. We should all learn from her life to put others first especially family. She will be missed but her life will be honored for the compassion and love she had for others.
Words cannot adequately convey my thoughts 🙁 I am deeply sorry for your loss!
What beautiful testimonies to the person of Chris, she truly embodied our Lord’s command to “deny yourself and take up your cross.” I am certain that she has a very special place before the Lord for all she suffered and gave to those the Lord placed in her life – her family, her patients and her friends. Please know you will be in my prayers!