Jacqueline (Clawson) Nichols

Jacqueline (Jackie) succumbed to Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 90 surrounded by her immediate family while under the care of Samaritan Medical Center, in Watertown, NY.

Born on 1/11/1934 in San Antonio, TX. to Katherine Enders and Jack Clawson. Her mother remarried and she took up her stepfathers’ name of Flack. She went to Ogdensburg Free Academy and later Nottingham High School and went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University in Ohio where she met her love Douglas Nichols. She then spent a year at the Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, OH and received her American Dietetics Certification. Doug and Jackie were married on September 1, 1956 in Syracuse, NY.

Jackie became the head dietician at the Mount Kisco Hospital. She then received her MA degree from Syracuse University. This was followed by her spending 34 years with the Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, NY where she focused her professional career in Nutrition.

Throughout her life she enjoyed training the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers that she and Doug raised in agility. She earned several awards and went on to build her own training course which she used to assist others in agility. Many times Doug would accompany her to the many events that she performed at and one comes to mind that stands out. Just as she was ready to enter the ring with her pride and joy, the dog had other ideas and well, things didn’t go as planned. Jackie also enjoyed reading a good book at night, quilting and sewing projects. In the summer months she could be found at their early cottage and later house on Lake Ontario near Hard Scrabble Bay. She would be the first to say “let’s go sailing” on the family Sunfish Sailboat. When the wind was too strong she was watched closely from shore as the boat would roll to its side and she would get dunked in the lake only to have to right the boat and go on her way. When not enjoying the water by sailing or swimming, you could find her tirelessly working on her flower beds or garden.

In the winter months after retirement, Jackie and Doug became snowbirds and enjoyed the warmth of Florida during the winter months.

Surviving besides her husband, Doug Nichols, are her brother William Flack, a daughter Michele and her son Paul and his wife Susan. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Any donations should go to the Alzheimer’s Association to find a cure for this terrible disease. A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 11 AM at the New Cedargrove Cemetery in Chaumont, NY.

The family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses at Samaritan Medical Center for their assistance while she fought this courageous battle. They kept her at ease during her difficult time and were always present and willing to help.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cleveland Funeral Home, Inc., Watertown. Online condolences can be made at www.clevelandfhinc.com.

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