Joan Nicholas

Joan Maxian Nicholas passed away on March 5, in Columbia, SC, after a brief period of hospitalization following a fall.  She has been living in SC for the past ten years with her daughter, Dondi Nicholas.  Dondi and her two children were at Joan’s side at the time of her death.

Joan was born Joan Maxian on February 21, 1933.  She was the only daughter of Frank G. and Anna Husek Maxian, and the sister of Frank and John Maxian, all of whom predeceased Joan.  She graduated from Johnstown High School in 1950, and worked as a bookkeeper in various glove shops until she married Peter T. Nicholas on October 10, 1954.  After her marriage, Joan moved to Gloversville where she worked beside her husband in the Nicholas Coffee Shop until the business was closed in 1976.  Pete and Joan had three children: Ted, Ann and Dondi, who also worked in the family business.  Ted Nicholas died in a motorcycle accident in 1981.

After the Nicholas Coffee Shop closed its doors, Joan worked at Milt Schaber’s Delicatessen, the New York Lunch, and the White Holland House before permanently retiring.  She and Pete passed many happy hours at the Moose Club, the American Legion, and the VFW in Gloversville where they had many friends.  They were also wonderful dancers and enjoyed dancing together at Sherman’s pavilion and other local venues.  Joan also participated in several walk-a-thons in Fulton County raising money for charity.

Ten years ago, Joan and Pete moved to SC to live with their daughter, Dondi, who kept them both very active and engaged.  Pete died six years ago.  In addition to crocheting, knitting, and doing puzzles, Joan enjoyed watching wrestling on TV with Dondi.  In fact, last month she celebrated her 86th birthday with Dondi by attending the Road to Wrestlemania.  Joan and Dondi shared many other adventures including attending NASCAR races, visiting the SC State Fair, going to basketball and baseball games, taking numerous bus excursions, riding a camel, and vacationing on a cruise to the Bahamas.

Joan is survived by her two daughters and four grandchildren: Dondi of Columbia, SC, and her two children Nikki and Ted; and Ann Atanasio of Midland, VA, her husband, Russ, and two children, Katie, of Brooklyn, NY, and Nicholas, who lives in Richmond, VA.  Joan will be missed by her daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren, as well as all the friends and adopted family who grew to know and love her in SC.

Joan is now in heaven dancing with Pete, with their son, Ted, her parents, Frank and Anna Maxian, and her brothers, Frank and John Maxian nearby.

Funeral arrangements will be scheduled for a date in the spring with Walrath and Stewart Funeral Home in Gloversville.

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