Obituary

Elizabeth 'Betty' Nichol, obituary

Mon, 03/25/2013 - 4:15pm

ROCKLAND — Elizabeth Barbara "Betty" Nichol, 91, died March 12, 2013, after a brief illness.

Born April 1, 1921, in New York City, Betty, as she was known, was an artist/designer who loved nothing more than working in her studio. She was accomplished in many artistic mediums, including watercolor, oil, sculpture and in later years, she painted on silk. As a silk artist, she designed scarves and other types of wearable art. Betty was listed in Who's Who of American Women and was the winner of prestigious art awards. She taught painting in New York City Continuing Education programs, the Long Island Art Association and Great Neck Adult Education programs. When her artistic focus changed in the 1980s to designing clothing and painting on silk, she formed her company, Nichol Designs, and pieces were sold in boutiques throughout Downeast Maine. Her education included the NYU Art Students League, Pratt Institute and Parsons School of Design.

In 1948 she married William F. Nichol (1920-2007). They lived in New York City and its environs until they retired in 1988 and moved to Lincolnville. Most recently, she resided in Rockland.

Predeceased by her twin sister, Peggy Arnold; Betty is survived by a son, Richard Hallett Nichol and his wife, Joan Lanius-Nichol, of Wilton, Conn., and their two children, Amelia and Hallett; a daughter, Betsy Nichol; a son-in-law, Gary Beeber; a nephew, Edward Arnold; and a niece, Patricia Arnold.

In her last five years Betty was fortunate to have the wonderful and spirited companionship of Edward Coffin of Owls Head.

At Betty's request no services will be held.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland.