Helen Jean Nicholson, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2025, at the age of 89 at Arbor Court Care Center in Mount Pleasant. Born on August 19, 1935, in Richland, Iowa, Helen was the beloved daughter of Clarence and Doris Greiner. Her life was a rich tapestry of love, dedication, and service, woven into the fabric of southeast Iowa, where she resided for her entire life.
On December 9, 1955, Helen married the love of her life, Richard Nicholson, and together they embarked on a journey of companionship and mutual support that would last until Richard’s passing in 2006. Helen embraced her role as a homemaker with grace and enthusiasm, raising two daughters and creating a home filled with love and the aroma of her famous homemade bread and cheesecake.
Before dedicating herself to her family, Helen worked at Universal Manufacturing in her early 20s. After her daughters began school, she returned to the workforce, this time at the Fairfield Glove Factory, where she would retire after 25 years of loyal service. Helen’s talents extended far beyond her professional life; she was a self-taught crocheter, an excellent seamstress, and an excellent cook whose recipes were cherished by all who had the pleasure of tasting them.
Helen and Richard shared a passion for camping, an activity that brought them closer to nature and to a community of friends and family. Their adventures under the open skies were among their most treasured memories. Helen’s commitment to her community was evident through her active membership in the East Pleasant Plain Pioneer Association, where she contributed to the growth and vitality of the small community she held dear.
For over 40 years, Helen was a proud member of the Midwest Old Threshers Association, dedicating 30 years as a volunteer at their annual reunion. She loved being an attendant on the trolly, sharing stories and laughter with passengers from near and far. Helen’s volunteerism extended to special events, where she could be found guiding school tours, contributing to the Halloween Haunted House, and assisting with maintenance and repairs on the grounds.
Helen’s legacy is carried on by her loving family, including her two daughters, Gloria Wasson (Donald) of Libertyville, IA, and Goldie Davis of Westminster, CO. She was a guiding star to her sister, Karlene Holt of Rome, IA, and a doting grandmother to her grandchildren, Hilary Lanman (Mathew) of Hedrick, IA; Dalton Davis of Log Lane Village, CO; Issac Wasson of Salem, IA; Michael Wasson of Salem, IA; Wyatt Davis of Firestone, CO; Hayley Davis of Denver, CO; and Hanna Davis of San Deigo, CA. Helen’s great-grandchildren, Joseph Lanman and Ilya Davis, will also hold her memory in their hearts.
Preceding Helen in death were her husband, Richard Nicholson, and her siblings, William, Jerry, and Lloyd Greiner, as well as her sisters, Irene Simmons, Ruth Smith, Betty Roush, and Martha Roberts.
A celebration of Helen’s life will be on Sunday May 25, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00PM at the Brighton Community Center in Brighton. Burial will be in Howard Grove Cemetery near Pleasant Plain prior to the celebration. Memorials in Helens honor to Old Threshers or the American Cancer Society may be mailed to the family at P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com
Helen Jean Nicholson’s story is one of unwavering love, enduring friendships, and a commitment to community that will be remembered for generations to come.
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