Joann Ecke Nichols

Joann Ecke Nichols

1932-2021

Joann Lee Ecke entered the world in Torrington, Connecticut, the oldest of her siblings, Hal, Dickie, and Jackie. She met her soulmate Nick at a party, was married in 1954 and settled in the home Nick built for them in Winsted. Four children followed over 10 years. Car trips to Florida, vacations at their summer home on the Cape, weekend soirées with friends, and rather large gatherings on holidays (and then some) for family and friends brought Jo and Nick so much joy. Jo loved to travel! She survived chaperoning high schoolers to Russia and travelled extensively alone or with Nick throughout Europe and the Balkans. Extremely well read, she completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Library Science and eventually ran libraries at Pearson, Batcheller, Hinsdale, and Greenwoods schools until she retired. Jo was such a historian and could rifle off dates and events of national and world history. She bested everyone in Scrabble... A chef in the kitchen, she was tops in preparing German and Lebanese dishes for every gathering. Her dog Roscoe ensured proper clean up. And with her 10 green fingers, she and Nick created beautiful flowers in her patios and gardens. Left behind are 4 children; Jeff (Winsted), Greg and wife Lorrie (Colebrook), Laurie  and husband Jim (Colorado Springs), and Jim and wife Hui Hua (Torrington); seven grandchildren in Australia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, and Massachusetts;  two great grandchildren; two siblings in Connecticut and one in Texas; and a multitude of nieces and nephews. Joann took her last breath in late April in her home, exactly where she wanted to be.  Her graveside services will be private.  Donations in Jo’s memory can be made to a favorite animal rescue or to further research for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease.

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