Helen Southgate Nicholas

Helen Southgate Nicholas

October 7, 1936 – December 2, 2024

Helen Southgate Nicholas, 88, of Grayling, Michigan passed away peacefully on December 2, 2024 with her adoring family at her side surrounding her in love, music and storytelling. 

Helen was born on October 7, 1936 in Pontiac, Michigan to her beloved parents, Robert and Ruth Southgate. She, along with her older brother Bob, had a beautiful childhood filled with love and learning. This inspired her to ultimately become a teacher so that she could share her passion for learning and her desire to educate children. Helen attended the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University where she was a member of the bugle corps and graduated with a degree in education that led to her career as an elementary school teacher in Grayling, Michigan.

Helen had a heart of gold and her greatest passion was her family. She married the love of her life, Dale Nicholas, on December 27, 1958 in Ypsilanti, Michigan and enjoyed 63 years of marriage before Dale’s passing in 2021. They were blessed with three children Dale “Chip” (Paula) Nicholas, Susan “Suzy” (Mike) Hees and Jon (Beth) Nicholas and provided them with an idyllic childhood filled with memorable days of living “up north” on the AuSable River and Lake Margrethe surrounded by nature, water, and a community of wonderful friends and family. They would additionally be blessed with several grandchildren – Abbi Nichols, Andy (Justine) Hees, Whittney (Mike) Ratz, Alex Nicholas, Megan (Mitchell) Rozman, Emily Nicholas, and Chloe Nicholas - as well as seven great-grandchildren whom she was lovingly known as their sweet “GiGi”.

Helen was a beautiful person inside and out - elegant, genuinely kind, loving and the very best listener. She was gentle, yet strong, supportive, yet firm, and clever and creative to all ends. She was a great host as well - ensuring everyone had a good time and left with happy bellies. Helen was widely adored, and all who came into her presence left with a smile and a sweet memory. The holidays were her favorite time of year, and she made everything feel magical and extra special. It is fitting that she has now become a bright “Christmas star” shining her magic down on us all.

Helen is survived by all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and her sisters-in-law Shirley Southgate and Cynthia Panza. She is now reunited in love and celebration with those that have gone before her, including her dear husband, parents and brother, as well as Dale’s parents and several of his siblings.

A private family gathering will be held during the holidays. For those that wish to remember Helen, please consider a memorial contribution to the “Dale and Helen Nicholas Memorial Scholarship” associated with the Crawford AuSable Excellence in Education Foundation (CAEEF). 

Condolences may be sent to www.sorensonlockwood.com 

Arrangements Entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.