Kathleen Nickel, 74, passed away on this March in San Jose. Kathy will be remembered for her contagious joy, positive attitude, kindness, and magnetic personality.

Born in Elizabeth, NJ to Eugene and Catherine, Kathy graduated from Benedictine Academy in 1961. She attended Union County College.

She married Jeffrey Nickel in 1973. They raised their two sons and one daughter in Fanwood, NJ before moving to Saratoga, CA in 1987. Kathy always put others before herself and faithfully took to the interest of children. She was very active in the community, serving in Boy/Girl Scouts, the PTA, sports boosters and as a band parent and various athletic coaching roles.

Kathy worked in her children's schools and as a bookkeeper for the former Saratoga National Bank. She thoroughly enjoyed being a grandmother to 4 grandchildren.

Abruptly, in 1995, Kathy suffered a life altering brain aneurysm. Despite her disabilities, Kathy never lost her wit, sharp mind, and zest for life. She was quick to win the hearts of everyone she met. Her husband faithfully cared for her throughout her illness. In 2008, she moved into Amberwood Gardens to receive nursing care. Kathy loved attending the Saratoga Adult Day Care Center for friendship, music, and trivia. She loved worshipping at Saratoga Federated Church.

She was the wife to her husband Jeffrey for 44 years, mother to Douglas (Alison) Nickel, Kenneth (Lindsay) Nickel, and Jennifer (William) Martinusen, and grandmother to Christopher, Anderson, Emily, and Grace. She is survived by her sister Eileen and brother Eugene. She is preceded in death by her brothers Frank and Gerard and parents.

Her life will be celebrated at 1p.m. on Sat., April 21 at Saratoga Federated Church, 20390 Park Pl, Saratoga, CA 95070.

Donations can be made in her honor to the Saratoga Adult Day Care Center, 19655 Allendale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070.