Nichols, Irene

NICHOLS, Irene Hanna, 90, of Portland passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on January 6, 2024. Born in Middletown on November 18, 1933, she was the daughter of the late William J. and Marjorie (Hallberg) Hanna, Jr. She grew up in Middle Haddam, graduating from East Hampton High School at the top of her class. She lived in Portland most of her life and spent her summers at Stannard Beach in Westbrook, Connecticut. It was at the beach that she was happiest, and is most remembered for hosting amazing parties, and just relaxing on her patio overlooking the water. She worked at Portland Boat Works for much of her life handling boat sales and customer needs before retiring and enjoying her time at her beach house with family and friends. She was an avid reader, always seen with her nose in a book. Besides reading, she enjoyed teaching crafts, playing BUNCO, spending time in the sun, playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, baking, and hosting holiday parties. Her family was everything to her, and she never missed the chance to be at an event or support them in any way she could. Her daughter Debbie and son-in-law Carl emulated that by giving much of the last few years to see to Irene's care and comfort. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Nichols Johnson and her husband Carl of Portland, CT, her granddaughter Megan Lewis and her husband Ryan of Middletown, CT, her granddaughter Ashley Majorowski and her husband, Daniel of Ephrata, PA, her brother Robert Hanna of Middle Haddam, CT, her sister Carol Baretta of East Berlin, CT, and her brother William Hanna and his wife Kimberly of Portland, CT. She had five great grandchildren, Kayleigh and Ryan Lewis, Abigail, Savannah, and Josie Majorowski, whom she adored. She was pre-deceased by her parents William James Hanna, Jr. and Marjorie Hallberg Hanna, sister Marjorie Hanna Schufer and brother-in-law John Schufer, brother Donald Hanna, sister-in-law Patricia Hanna, brother-in-law William Baretta, and niece Jodi Baretta Bjorklund. The family would like to thank Middlesex Health Hospice Care, especially Hannah and Shannon, as well as her home health care aid, Nataylia, and family friend Barbara for their compassion and care during her last few months. Funeral services will be held on Monday January 15th at 11:00 a.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St. Middletown. Burial will be held at the Union Hill Cemetery, Middle Haddam. Visitation will be held prior to the service on Monday from 10:00 to11:00 a.m. at Biega Funeral Home. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to Middlesex Health Hospice Care. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.