Katharine Flint Merriman Nichols

Katharine Flint Merriman Nichols, 75, of Woodbury, CT passed away on November 15, 2019 after a brief illness, surrounded by her family. 

Katharine was born to DeWitt and Marjorie (Duke) Flint on March 14, 1944 in Lake Charles, LA.  After DeWitt, an Army Air Corps pilot, was killed in action in 1945, Marjorie moved to CT where she met and married Dr. Henry Merriman, who adopted Kathie.

Kathie graduated from Westover School in Middlebury, and Western College for Women in Oxford, OH, after which she returned to CT and became a social worker with DCF. 

In 1974, Kathie married Robert Nichols, and became a homemaker to raise their two children, Ashley and Houk.

Kathie was a whiz at organization, and a tireless “professional volunteer,” with a special place in her heart for children and animals. Her community and civic participation stretches back decades and includes service on the boards of directors of Family Service Association of Waterbury, Junior League of Greater Waterbury, Planned Parenthood, Washington Montessori School, Animals for Life, Town of Woodbury Park and Recreation Commission, and various roles at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Woodbury, where Kathie was a long-time member.

When Kathie wasn’t rolling up her sleeves to help her community, she liked to kick back with friends at the Middlebury Swimming Club, and recharge by the lake at her beloved Tunxis Club in Tolland, MA. 

Her many friends and family remember her Yankee practicality (“Whatever works” was a favorite slogan) coupled with a gentle firmness. Her quick wit was fluent in sarcasm, but tempered by her kind heart.  Her wide and varied friendships are a testament to her generosity of spirit within Woodbury and beyond.

Kathie is preceded in death by her life partner of 15 years Dick Hayward.  Kathie leaves behind her two children, Ashley Erickson of Southbury and Houk Nichols of Oxford, her son-in-law Jon Erickson, six grandchildren, Flint, Loudon, Oscar, Shea, Max and Willa, her former husband Robert Nichols, and two brothers, Henry Merriman and John Merriman. 

Funeral services will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 294 Main St. S., in Woodbury on Nov. 23 at 11am. Burial will immediately follow at New North Cemetery, Woodbury. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Animals for Life, Middlebury CT.

Munson Lovetere Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements. To leave an online condolence please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com

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