Eda P. Nichols
October 1, 1937 ~ December 27, 2024
Born in:
Revere, Massachusetts
Resided in:
Peabody, Massachusetts
Eda P. (Martino) Nichols, 87, of Peabody, died peacefully on Friday, December 27, 2024 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House. She was the cherished wife of Gene S. Nichols.
Born in Revere on October 1, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Delia (Crisafi) Martino. She was raised and educated in Revere and was a graduate of Revere High School. She furthered her education at Boston University, earning both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree there.
While working at WGBH, she met her husband and together they shared more than sixty years of marriage.
Eda served as executive director of the Campfire Girls of Lynn in her early career. She later was employed as a teacher with the Peabody Public Schools as a Title 1 teacher, working with students who required a demanding teacher, but one whose compassion led to numerous lifelong friendships.
She was a member of the North Shore Players for many years and was a member of the Peabody Parents of Children with Special Needs.
Creative by nature, Eda was a seamstress and her talents knew no bounds in the kitchen, whether crafting a special birthday cake or large holiday feast filled with her Italian specialties. On summer camping trips to Maine and New Hampshire, she would lead the singing at the campfire with showtunes and campfire songs.
Throughout the neighborhood, Eda was a natural counselor to her many longtime friends, always lending an ear to listen and support those who needed some guidance. Even during her illness, she had a smile and kind word for all.
In addition to her husband, she leaves two sons, Steven Nichols of Danvers and David Nichols of Peabody, a sister with whom she shared a special bond, Mary Ferullo and her husband Roger of Wakefield, and a niece, Anita McNally of Peabody.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 10AM in Saint Adelaide’s Church, 708 Lowell St., Peabody. Relatives and friends are invited. At Eda’s request, there are no visiting hours and burial is private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice. To share an expression of sympathy with her family, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com.
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We lost an angel on earth. I feel so very fortunate to be one of many who had a valued friendship with Eda. She always expressed an interest to know how my family and I were. She listened with intent and offered great advice. She taught me a lot over the years I knew her. Wishing the wonderful memories of Eda help to carry her family through this difficult time.
I join many members of the Brown School community in sending our condolences to Gene, Steven and David . May God hold my dear friend Eda in the palms of his hands.
Ernie Osborne
Former Principal
Samuel Brown School
After joining the Peabody Parents of Children with Special Needs in 1975 Eda and I began writing little tributes to the teachers who worked with our children and our members put on a meal to thank them as well. The tributes grew into hour long skits in which our members acted as teachers, school committee members and even Mayor Torrigian. Through music, we were able to say thank you to the work well done, and a gentle push to some of the work we wanted done. Eda was so much fun to work with and we wrote many shows at the Irish Village on the cape where we went for Parents Group weekends. Those times can never be brought back, but the memories are here to stay. Thank you Eda for our wonderful times together.