Eutochia Nicholson
Niantic — Eutochia “Toka” Nicholson passed away peacefully Feb. 13, 2023, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
She is survived by her daughter Robin Hess of Niantic; son Nick Nicholson and wife Heidi of Bradenton, Fla.; grandson Cy Hess and wife Jenny of West Hartford; grandson Van Hess and wife Taryn of Manhattan Beach, Calif.; and granddaughter Nichole Nicholson of Bradenton, Fla. She was also a proud great-grandmother of six: Delaney, Keira, Berkeley, Katarina, Boden and Christophe. She is predeceased by her husband Robert “Bob” Nicholson; her great-grandson Bentley; and her son-in-law Christopher Hess.
Toka was born in Omaha, Neb., and took a liking to a boy she met in the strangest place — a high school class held in an empty swimming pool. That boy became her high school sweetheart, and they married shortly after graduation. Despite never seeing the ocean, Bob joined the Coast Guard and Toka went along for the ride — a fitting adventure for a couple who met in a pool void of water. Toka and Bob finally settled and retired in Montville, where Toka became a grandmother known as “Mimi.” She was famous for her “Mimi Cakes,” gigantic cupcakes she would make for the friends and teammates of her grandchildren. While no official award was given, let it be known Mimi had perfect attendance at every single one of her grandkids’ sporting events.
Above all, she will be remembered for her enduring relationship with Bob. They were married for 68 years and seemed genuinely happy for all 68. Hearing Bob proudly call Toka “his girl” and care for her well into his 80s was an amazing lesson in love. It is only fitting she would pass just in time to be reunited with Bob – her guy – on Valentine’s Day of this year. The family is certain the first order of business was a morning cup of coffee together – an unbroken daily ritual.
Calling hours will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, at Thomas Neilan & Sons Funeral Home on Grand Street in Niantic. Finally, the family would also like to express a heartfelt thank you to the Memory Care team at Atria Crossroads in Waterford, who took amazing care of
Toka for the past four years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Mrs. Nicholson’s family invites you to offer condolences, share memories and view Toka’s online video tribute at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.