Edith Elizabeth Nichols, better known as Betty, died peacefully after a sudden illness on May 17, 2018 at the age of 94. Betty was born, raised and lived her entire life in Salem, Massachusetts. She was a direct descendant of Salem's founder, Roger Conant, as well as John Proctor, a farmer and tavern owner, accused and hanged for being a witch in 1692. Betty was the daughter of Edith Emelia (Anderson) and Leland Nichols. She was predeceased by her older sister, Hilda Nichols many years ago.

Betty graduated from Salem High School in 1941 and went on to pursue her passion painting and photography at the Salem Commercial School where she also became proficient as an accounting clerk. Betty came of age at a time when downtown Salem was a bustling retail hub with many department stores, specialty shops and independent drugstores. Prior to finishing school, she went to work at Kresge's Five and Ten and later went on to work at Le Favor's Music Store. Betty enjoyed the socialization of the busy downtown community where she met many lifelong friends. Betty eventually went to work at the Holyoke Insurance Company where she spent many years working in the accounting department.

During her life, Betty loved to travel, especially to Sweden, to visit her many maternal relatives. She also enjoyed square dancing, presenting entertaining slide shows of her travels to interesting places and cross country skiing. Later in life, Betty crocheted winter hats, scarves and lap throws for those less fortunate than herself. At the time of her death, Betty was knitting a scarf for the next winter season.

Betty was an independent and private person who inculcated a Christian ethic of her own and who spent many hours volunteering first with the former Crombie Church and later with the First Church in Salem. Betty was a kind person in her quiet and unobtrusive way. She will be sadly missed by her many cousins from the Nichols-Arlander family.

Burial will be private at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Salem. A memorial service to honor and remember the life of Betty Nichols will be held at the First Church in Salem, to be announced at a later date.  Arrangements are being held by Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St. (corner of North St.) Salem, MA 01970.  For additional information or online guestbook please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.