Jennifer A. Nichols

Nichols, Jennifer Anastasia, "Jenni" (Kohl), age 59, of Delafield (formerly Madison) passed away on 7/14/2024 from ovarian cancer. She was born in Madison on March 2, 1965 to James & Donna Kohl. She was the youngest of five children. She graduated from West High School in 1983, and the University of Wisconsin in 1987 with a degree in Elementary Education. She cheered at Badger football games and sometimes actually followed the score in between conversations. She could always be convinced to leave after the ‘jump-around.’

Jenni married Thomas Nichols on June 27, 1987, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Madison, WI. They were blessed with three children: Zachary, Kyle, & Maggie. Jenni taught 4th and 5th grades in the Madison Metropolitan School District from 1992-2002, and 3-8th grades in the Kettle Moraine School District in Delafield between 2002-2013. During those years, she also completed a degree in Reading from Cardinal Stritch University. In 2013, Jenni was hired as a Literary Coach in Lake Mills Area School District where she finished out her career, retiring in 2022. Jenni was an avid writer and reader - seemingly knowing about every book ever written. She won multiple teaching awards and she was fiercely dedicated to developing both students and teachers.

When not working, planning family vacations was one of her favorite things to do. She prided herself on finding the perfect vacation spot that would offer up maximum amounts of merrymaking for the entire family. She especially enjoyed traveling in Ireland where she gazed endlessly at the beautiful countryside. She also delighted in talking to the locals over a Guinness in the remote Irish pubs - she was so inquisitive and engaging.

Jenni absolutely relished being outside in nature. She spent many meaningful hours enjoying the calmness and serenity of the tree-lined hillside behind her home. She took pleasure in working in her garden even though it was semi fruitful. She laughed at herself about always having too many projects going on at the same time.

Jenni was a beautiful person and an extraordinary wife and mom who persistently directed her love, warmth and kindness at her entire family. Her vibrant spirit created great times around the house and she also made newcomers feel instantly at home. Her unshakable dedication made her not just a tremendous mother-in-law, but a true second mother to those fortunate enough to join her beautiful family.

As a doting grandma, Jenni poured her heart into her granddaughter, Effie. Jenni cherished every moment with Effie while showering Effie with many books while hanging out in the She Shed. This legacy of warmth created endless precious memories. Effie will appreciate books forever.

She was a fun person who enjoyed music and dancing. Through the years she danced throughout her house but especially in the kitchen with her dogs; Sophie, Izzy, Georgia, Oakley and Archie. She would sway around with Tom while holding her beloved cat, Henry close too.

Her genuine interest in others, coupled with her vibrant spirit, created a loving and exciting environment everywhere she went. We are all blessed to have known her and she will be missed forever.

Jenni is survived by her husband, Tom, and her children Zachary (Rachael), Kyle, and Maggie (Kyle) Sweet, her granddaughter Effie, her mother, Donna Kohl, siblings: Jim (Mary) Kohl, Janis (Gary) Licklider, Jeff Kohl, and John (Susie) Kohl as well as many in-laws and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, James, and an infant sister, her grandparents John & Celia Hodgson and Jennes and Anastasia Kohl, as well as many aunts and uncles.

Services will be held at River Glen Church in Waukesha, WI on Wednesday, August 7th with a visitation from 4pm to 6pm and a service to follow at 6:30pm. A party in honor of her life will be held on Sunday, August 18th at Naga-Waukee Park in Hartland, WI (Picnic Pavilion 1) from 11am to 4pm.

The Nichols family would like to thank Dr. Christopher Hake and his entire team at the ProHealth Cancer Center in Pewaukee for taking such devoted care of their mom over the last 5 years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either Cure Sanfilippo Foundation in honor of Jenni's great niece, Liv, or OCRA (Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance) in honor of Jenni and her fellow ovarian cancer warriors around the world.

https://curesanfilippofoundation.org/

https://ocrahope.org/