Mary (Bishop) NicholsValois Point, NY

Mary (Bishop) Nichols, age 98, of Valois Point, NY, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026.

Mary was born in Alpine, NY, on April 17, 1927, the daughter of the late Perry and Eliza (Hendricks) Bishop.

She spent her first 20+ years in the Alpine/Odessa area and married Jack Porter Nichols on July 12, 1947. Mary followed her husband on new adventures as he pursued his career in highway construction and supervision throughout upstate New York and into Connecticut. She created a loving home for her family wherever they lived, returning each summer to the family home at Valois Point, NY.

Mary was predeceased by her parents; her father-in-law, Claude Nichols; her beloved husband, Jack; her brother, Robert; and her sons-in-law, David Bragg, Joseph Radoll, and Larry Cassady.

She is survived by her children:

• Polly Cassady of Christiansburg, VA, and her children, Melani (Adam) of Tarzana, CA, and Jack (Leigh) of Christiansburg, VA, and their daughters, Ella and Audrey;
• Andrea Nichols of Valois, NY, and her son, Geoff (Tawnya) Bragg of Santa Barbara, CA, and Tawnya’s daughter, Danielle (Matthew) Cervantes of Colorado Springs, CO;
• Joan Radoll and her children, Jackson (Kelsey) Radoll and Stephanie (Toby) Radoll, all of Seattle, WA.

Mary was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She will be remembered by all who knew her for her kindness and devotion to family. She centered her life around her loved ones, working in school-related roles—including teacher assistant, computer lab, and cafeteria—until her daughters finished school. She built a warm and welcoming home in every location and made lasting friendships along the way.

Mary enjoyed reading, gardening, sewing, knitting, and handicrafts. She loved living by the lake every summer and, for the last 50 years, every day. She also enjoyed birdwatching, collecting rocks, and watching the sunrise over the water.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of her life will be held in late summer 2026; the family will announce the exact date as it approaches. Contributions in her memory may be made to the EB Pert Library or the Valois Logan Hector Volunteer Fire Company, both in Hector, NY.

Arrangements are under the direction of Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, Montour Falls, NY.