Evelyn Delores Nicholsen — “Dee,” as she was known to all — passed away January 22 at the age of 82 of heart failure at St. Joseph Hospital. She is survived by her daughter Bobbi Westman (Jeff), daughter Candes Harris, grandchildren Andrew Harris and Mallory Harris, brother Gerald Thornhill (Connie) of Ohio, brother Allen Thornhill, nephew Mark Milligan (Maria) of Montana and niece Kathleen Rawluk (Pete) of Oregon. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruby and Gilbert Thornhill, husband Robert Nicholsen, sister-in-law Carol Nickalou, and in-law Harold Westman.

Mom was born June 30, 1940 in Pleasure Ridge Park, Kentucky to Ruby and Gilbert Thornhill. In 1958 she graduated from Valley High School in Valley Station, Kentucky. She moved to California in 1960 and went to work at Bim’s Restaurant in Arcata. This is where she met my Dad, and they later married. Mom worked at Broadway Gas & Deli for Terri Ryan for 12 years. She continued to work there a few more years after it was bought by another company. She was very popular for working behind the counter and for making the truck drivers those delicious egg salad sandwiches.

After her retirement, she volunteered at TailWaggers Thrift Store, where she became friends with Carole Farlan. Carole is and always will be a special friend to us. Also after her retirement, Mom and I took a trip to Memphis Tennessee to visit Graceland. She was a huge Elvis fan and had the thrill of seeing him live in concert in 1956 in Louisville, Kentucky. She was also a fan of NASCAR racing and the Dallas Cowboys.

We would like to thank the Westman family for always making her feel like she was part of the family: Bev, Jennifer and Eric, Tom and Anna, Sheila and Jerry. Special thanks to the following people for your friendship and for helping out with Mom over the years: Life long friend Marion Belt-Adams, Carole Farlan and Judy and Derwood. Her friends at the Lodge — manager Chris, Gerry, Kathy and Jeff. Thanks to Dr. Holst, her primary care provider for years. Thanks also to Redwood Memorial Hospital and staff in the Med-Surge Unit. You were all the very best! Lastly, Jeff and I would like to say a big heartfelt thank you to the staff at Sea View Rehab, Dr. Han, and the nurses at St. Joseph Hospital that cared for her in her final days.

No services will be held. Memorial Contributions can be made to Sequoia Humane Society, 6073 Loma Avenue, Eureka, 95503,or to Companion Animal Foundation at 3954 Jacob’s Avenue, Eureka, 95501,or to the charity of your choice.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Dee Nicholsen’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.