Patricia Nicholas, Feb. 22, 1925 — Dec. 21, 2011

Services have been conducted for Patricia “Pat” Nicholas, 86, a Scotts Valley resident since 1977, who passed away Dec. 21.
Mrs. Nicholas was born in Darwen, Lancashire County, England. She spent the first 20 years of her life there, including the World War II years, which relatives said inspired her determination to succeed on her own terms and raise a family that shared her integrity and values. Winston Churchill, Britain’s wartime leader, served as her role model, with his words “Never, never, never give up” visible on posters and cards throughout her homes over the years.
Her husband, the late William Dallas “Bill” Nicholas, was an American G.I. stationed in England during World War II. An English war bride, she sailed on the Queen Mary to the U.S. in 1945. Mrs. Nicholas was proud to become a U.S. citizen in the 1950s.
The Nicholases moved initially to San Francisco and later lived on the Peninsula and finally settled in Scotts Valley in 1977. Mrs. Nicholas raised her five children with a work ethic and appreciation for fine manners.
She later held nursing positions at Mills Memorial Hospital in San Mateo and at Dominican and Community hospitals in Santa Cruz. Relatives said the cheery, nurturing spirit of “the British nurse” proved popular among staff and patients alike.
After retiring, Mrs. Nicholas volunteered at California Grey Bears in Santa Cruz and at the intensive-care unit at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz. She was an active member of the Daughters of the British Empire. She also spent more time gardening, knitting and reading literature.
Her children and her grandchildren, who called her “Nana,” report that she spared no energy in her efforts to teach them to swim, read to them and assist them.
She is survived by four daughters, Susan Arete, Sandra Beges, Sally Benyola and Sherree Nicholas Bocast, and nine grandchildren in the Bay Area. She is also survived by a brother, Paul Catlow, in England and several nieces and nephews there.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Dallas Nicholas; son, Stephen Nicholas; parents, Mabel and Gerald Butterfield; and sister, Mary Heath.
Services were held Thursday, Dec. 29, at Saint Philip the Apostle Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive, in Scotts Valley.