Mary Nicholson

Mary Aquina Nicholson, 80, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009, at Life Care Center.

She was born Jan. 26, 1929, at Fornfelt, daughter of Benjamin Franklin and Ruth Marie Clark Speak. She first married Richard Smallwood Humphries on Dec. 28, 1958. He died Jan. 1, 1984. She and Reginald Nicholson were married Jan. 24, 1985. He died Jan. 17, 1986.

Nicholson was a counselor 25 years at Campbell and Nash middle schools, retiring in 2003 in Smyrna, Ga. She tutored more than 300 students in English, math and social studies. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City.

Survivors include a daughter, Francine Humphries of Cape Girardeau; two nephews, Joe and Steven Hanschen; a niece, Maria Hanschen; and three great-nephews, Matthew Thompson, Logan and Ryan Hanschen.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Diane Humphries; a sister, Nellie Hanschen; and a brother, Benny Speak.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Parish prayers will be at 7.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the church. Burial will be in Lorimier Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City is in charge of arrangements.