Joy H. Nichols, born Joy Patricia Hallock on December 30, 1927 in New York City, died peacefully on August 2, 2016. She was surrounded by the love of her son, Timothy P. House, Jr. and the wonderful staff of the Evergreen Woods Health Center in No. Branford CT.

Joy was a prize-winning horseback rider and swimmer in her early years, and, throughout her adult years, a master flower arranger and flower show judge for groups associated with the Garden Club of America. She earned an associates degree in marketing from Endicott College, and worked in various retail and custom order clothing positions throughout her life.

Joy was a devoted wife to three husbands. She married Timothy P. House of New Haven CT in 1949. After his death in 1962, she married the Rev. Charles L. Ives of New Haven in 1966. Charles died shortly after their marriage, and in 1970 she married Franklin H. Nichols, Jr. of Greenwich CT. They enjoyed 25 years of marriage until his death in 1997. With one son and eight step-children, Joy is survived by Timothy P. House, Jr., the Reverend Peter B. Ives, Charles Ives, The Reverend Robert Ives, Jonathan Ives, Nancy Nichols, Robin Nichols Carter, Franklin H. Nichols III and Lucy Nichols Thomas and all their many wonderful children and grandchildren.

They, and all her many friends, will remember her as a gracious host and superb cook. Joy was devoted todoing for others.She loved beauty and laughter and love, and brought all three into the lives of her family and friends. We will miss Joy.

A memorial service will be held at a yet to be determined date.If you wish to honor Joy's passing in some tangible way, a donation may be made to 826 Boston (www.826boston.org), a non-profit that Joy supported regularly dedicated to helping marginalized young people find their voices through writing.