Denise C. Nichols

Denise Catherine Nichols, 57, of Hamden, CT passed away on November 25th at Hospice in Branford, CT after a 6 ½ year battle with ovarian cancer. Born in New Haven, CT, Denise was raised in Hamden, CT. She is survived by her sisters, Barbara Nichols of Hamden, CT, Rosemary Nichols of Branford, CT, her brother, Mark Nichols of New Haven, CT, her nieces Carmella Nichols and Katherine Nichols of New Haven, CT, her sister-in-law Denise Botto of New Haven, CT and her aunt Ann Canning of New Haven, CT. Denise is also survived by her many cousins and her “adopted” sisters/friends Anne Marie Menta of Hamden, CT and Elyse Greenberg of Bridgeport, CT. Denise’s life was devoted to serving others and her love of nursing led her to become a LPN at 19 and later a RN. She served as a critical care nurse at the Hospital of St. Raphael’s for over 30 years. Denise then continued her career as a nurse and educator for patients receiving either hemodialysis or home peritoneal dialysis, most recently at Avantis in New Haven, CT. Denise was beloved by countless friends and fellow medical professionals. During her nursing career she received the Nightingale Award from the Hospital of St. Raphael’s as well as other awards that highlighted her humanitarian skills working with patients, their families, doctors and nurses. Early in her career, Denise honed her skills by volunteering with special needs students, providing a positive image of nursing and the medical profession to urban students. Denise’s other great passion in life was her love of animals. She rescued many dogs and cats from shelters and was enchanted by every animal that crossed her path. Denise also loved being active and over the years participated in skiing, ice skating, tennis, racquetball, cycling, hiking, running, traveling, camping and in 2013 fulfilled her dream of skydiving out of an airplane. Denise’s parents instilled in her a love of music and dancing that she continued her entire life. With her sister Rosemary, Denise spent many happy hours on the dance floor. The music she held most precious was that of her friend Anne Marie Menta. It brought joy and comfort to Denise even up to her final days at Hospice. Denise participated in numerous volunteer organizations and activities, among them Relay for Life (Hamden), the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) Annual Walk/Run to Break the Silence, and served on the Community Emergency Response Team for the town of Hamden. Anyone who knew Denise knew that her sense of humor was always evident. Even during her time at Hospice her humorous quips to visitors and staff were ever present. Denise’s courage during her battle with Stage IV ovarian cancer was an amazement to everyone who met her. Over these past 6 ½ years, she participated in traditional treatment in Connecticut, integrative treatment at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) in Pennsylvania and was a clinical trial subject for 18 months at Mass General in Massachusetts. The result of Denise and other women’s participation in this study led to a newly FDA approved drug that has the potential of saving the lives of other women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. During her final weeks at Hospice, Denise discussed the need for increased public awareness and funding for ovarian cancer research. Denise encouraged women who were suffering from symptoms such as abdominal pressure, difficulty eating, swollen abdomen, and/or urinary concerns, to discuss them with their doctor. Denise will be missed by many, but her spirit and commitment to caring for others will live on with her memory. In lieu of flowers, Denise’s family is asking that donations be made to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC). You can go to http://ovarian.org/donate.php. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated for Denise Saturday at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Burial will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 4 - 8 p.m. in Sisk Brothers Funeral Home 3105 Whitney Ave. Hamden. To leave an online condolence please visit www.siskbrothers.com

Denise C. Nichols

July 6, 1958 - November 25, 2015