Hiroko Nichols

MISSOULA ~ Hiroko T. Nichols, born May 11, 1933, in Japan, passed away peacefully from natural causes on October 4, 2024, at the age of 91. She was the beloved daughter of Tanetake and Taki Toh. Hiroko began her career in banking in Japan before immigrating to the United States in the 1970s. She first worked at Little Beaver Creek Ranch in Huson, Montana, and later joined Real Log Homes in Missoula as an estimator and a liaison for Japanese customers.

On April 15, 1978, Hiroko married Gerald "Jerry" R. Nichols, Sr., and proudly became a U.S. citizen. They spent many happy years together until Jerry’s passing on March 13, 2013. Together, they lived in the Alberton area, where Hiroko embraced her life in America. She developed a love for quilting and was a long-standing member of the Missoula Quilt Guild. An avid gardener, she took great pride in preparing meals, excelling in both traditional Japanese dishes and classic American fare, such as steak, potatoes, and creamed peas fresh from her garden.

Hiroko is survived by her stepchildren: Jim (Teresa) Nichols, Jolene (Art) Conat, Jeannie Jeffery, and Jay (Maureen) Nichols. She was preceded in death by her stepson, Gerald R. Nichols, Jr. Hiroko is also survived by her siblings, Takako Toh, Motoyoshi (Fukue) Toh, and Takeomi (Hatsu) Toh. She was preceded in death by her brother, Tanetaka Toh. Hiroko had many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren around the world, who will all cherish her memory.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Beehive Homes in Missoula for their compassionate care of Hiroko in her final months.

Graveside services will be held on October 18, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Missoula, MT. Hiroko will be fondly remembered for her love of family, friends, and the simple joys of life, from quilting to gardening and cooking.