Madonna Nichols
March 27, 2016
Madonna Nichols, 57, was born September 2, 1958, in Emmetsburg, Iowa, to William and Margaret Graff. She passed away on March 27, 2016, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, after a courageous 5 year battle with cancer.
Madonna worked for Mercy Hospital in Des Moines and Omaha as a nurse in several capacities. She was a member of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny and was actively involved with the church choir. Madonna was also a board member of the PEO Philanthropic Group.
Madonna was very talented at crafting jewelry and making blankets that she gifted to many. She enjoyed spreading warmth one person at a time. Madonna was also actively involved in outdoor activities such as running and biking.
Madonna is survived by her husband, Jeff; son, Jim Nichols; siblings, Marge Gowdy, Dick (Jo) Graff, Jeannie (Vern) Balk, Sally Jordan, and Mark Graff. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Robert Graff.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2016, at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, 510 E. 1st Street in Ankeny. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines, there will be a rosary at 8:00p.m.
In loving memory of Madonna, memorial contributions may be directed to aboveandbeyondcancer.org.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Bikal Adhikari
03/31/2016
Ambika, the girls and I are very sorry for your loss. She was so kind, caring, loving and amazing lady. She will be missed. May god provide Nichols Family strength, comfort in this difficult time. We pray god to keep her soul peacefully in the heaven.
J. Misso
03/31/2016
I am so very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort provide your family with strength during this difficult time. (2 Corinthians 1: 3,4)
Jace Day
03/31/2016
Jeff & Jim
Julie, the girls and I are very saddened for you and your family. We feel very blessed to have spent so much time with your family in the backyard, various trips and on many sidelines. It was obvious during those times how close your family is. From a family that has experienced a loss our hearts break for you.
We praise God that this life is not all there is. Our heavenly Father has prepared a never-ending eternity for us to fellowship with Him and all those who are His. This eternity is free from illness, pain, worry and all the other trials we experience here.
We love guys and pray for you to have His peace that passes all understanding through Christ.
Love,
The Day's
Karen Schuller Krug
03/30/2016
Sad to hear this sweet lady had been suffering and her family, too. Besides being cousins, we grew up together a grade apart, and then became friends at Mallard High. Such a tender, funny, gifted girl. So sorry for your lose.
Craig & Janet Kinzie (CRNA Luthern)
03/30/2016
Jeff we are so sorry for your profound loss. God bless you for just getting up in in mornings--- I don't know how you do it, I never had the privilege to meet Madonna but from what I hear, have heard, and know from you she was an
amazing woman, wife and mother! God Bless to you and your blessed son to have had Madonna for a mother. Stay strong !! Prayers are lifting you up from our home.
Jeff and Doris Payne
03/30/2016
Jeff,our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss.
Larry and Shari Fettig
03/30/2016
Jeff,
Just know that Madonna, you and Jim are in our thoughts and prayers!
Mike and Janelle Matter
03/29/2016
Jeff and Jim, We are so sorry to hear about Madonna. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Jerri Graham & Dane Johnson
03/29/2016
Dr. Nichols and Jimmy, We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your dear wife and mother. May your precious memories be near to your hearts. We pray for God's love and strength to help you now and in the difficult days ahead.
Deb & Bobby Irving
03/29/2016
Jeff and Jimmy, our hearts go out to you; we know Madonna is a great loss to you, as to all of us. I was one of those fortunate ones Madonna gifted her beautifully crafted jewelry to. It hasn't left my side for the past week and will be with me always! May Madonna's strength and positive attitude be with you and may many happy memories with this beautiful lady ease your pain. We are here for you; whatever the need. Deb & Bobby I.
Tracy Gibson
03/29/2016
Jeff and Jim- Our thoughts and prayers are with you. If there is anything you need, please let us know. Chris, Tracy, Erik, and Ali Gibson
Jo and Terry Ashley
03/29/2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with Madonna's immediate and extended family. She went way too quickly but will be laughing at and with us from heaven. Sally, you can lean on me any time. Love J and T
Mary Simpson
03/29/2016
Sally you are my sister in all ways that count! My heart is broken for you and your family especially Jin and Jeff! Just know that Madonna has been welcomed by some of the best folks in heaven. My prayers are with all of you and you know if you need me , I'm there! Love, Mary and Patrick
Rebecca Meyer/ Emory Stines
03/29/2016
Jeff and Jim,
I can't tell you how much we will miss Madonna's patient smile and understanding. Our thoughts are with the two of you, if there is anything that would be helpful to you or any member of your family please let us know.
All our love to you both.
Becky and Emory
Kent Croskey Family
03/29/2016
Jeff and Jimmy, so sorry to hear of your loss. Our condolences go out to you. Our deepest sympathy to all in of the family. We will say a little prayer for you.