Marie Genevieve (Heurich) Nicholas passed on September 14, 2025 at Portage Medilodge in Portage MI. Marie was born on January 6, 1923 in Coloma, MI to Rose Lena (Schaub) and William Victor Heurich.
Marie grew up on farms in Covert, MI with her 2 brothers and 3 sisters (William, Monica, Eva, Lawrence, and Gertrude). She joined the Navy Waves in 1943 and married Harold Nicholas (Navy) at Navy Pier in Chicago, IL in 1944. While serving as a Yeoman clerk typist during WWII, she actually marched in front of Eleanor Rosevelt. Harold and Marie had four Children: Peter (L.A.), Michael (deceased), Anne (Daniel) Pinkerton (Manistee,MI) and Jean Smith (Coloma, MI).
Marie was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and son Michael. She is survived by her 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and over 20 great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
When Marie and her children moved to St Joseph, MI in the 60’s, she worked for several state and local civil employers until her retirement.
Like her mother, Marie joined the Catholic Third Order of Franciscans and was a life long member of the Kalamazoo Catholic Diocese.
Marie volunteered for years: fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic, driving seniors to appointments, tutoring students, and teaching ESL English to Spanish-speaking adults. She enjoyed gardening and loved to share both flowers and seeds to others. Marie fought against racial inequality throughout her life.
When asked how she managed to survive to 100, she always joked, “Only the good die young”.
Her family remembers her best for her love, support, and sense of humor.
Posted On: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 4:25 AM
