She was an extraordinary woman! How do we condense into a few paragraphs the life of our incredible mother, when with all that she accomplished, we could write a book? Marion Barnes Nicolay, born October 4th, 1929, flew free on July 14, 2024, after nearly 95 years of an amazing life, lived fully with joy, kindness, compassion, adventure, exuberance and love for all those she encountered on her path.
Born in West Point, NY, she lived in many places during her life, finally landing on Marco Island in 1988. Always enthusiastic about knowledge in so many fields, and constantly learning, she could talk to anyone about anything. She knew no strangers, and treated all with incredible kindness and compassion. She wasn't afraid to try anything, and was a constant source of positivity. She deeply loved her family, friends, and students at Bolton (CT) High School, where she taught art for years.
She married Pete Nicolay in 1950, and they adopted their two children as infants, Julie in 1957, and Phil in 1959. They lived in Glastonbury, CT for decades until moving to Marco, where she was instrumental in the formation of the Marco Island Historical Society, and found a passion in the history of Collier County. One of her proudest accomplishments was the building of the Marco Island Museum.
She wrote a weekly cooking column for years for The Marco Eagle and Naples News, as well as articles on a variety of topics in other publications. She loved doing her portrayal of Sister Harriet Bedell all around Florida, as well as a few of our country's First Ladies in local events.
There isn't room to tell you all that she did, but here's a short list: Artist, author, actor, educator, historian, pilot, cook, crafter, organizer, volunteer, and so much more... but she always said that her favorite of all was being our Mom, and we knew every second of every day how much she loved us as she was great at it.
Survived by daughter Julie Nicolay, and son Phil Nicolay (Mary Jednyak), along with grandchildren, a great granddaughter, cousins, and dear friends. Predeceased by husband, Pete Nicolay, and loving companion, Lee Pershing. Loved by all.
Services will be held on Thursday, August 1st at 10:00 am at St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Marco Island, with a brief reception to follow. Mom loved her colors, and as she brought so much color to the world, please wear joyful, colorful attire, if you choose.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mark's, the Marco Island Historical Society, the Lions Club of Naples, or the Bolton (CT) High School Scholarship Program.
