Davida B. Nicholson

Davida B. Fisher Nicholson, age 100, of Washington, Iowa, died August 26, 2018 at The United Presbyterian Home, Washington, Iowa. Davida Belle Fisher was born on January 12, 1918 to Leroy (Roy) and Mazie (Lewis) Fisher, during a blizzard that her father recounted to her on every birthday. She was the middle of three children who grew up in a series of Jefferson and Washington County locations. Davida, also known as Dee Dee, idolized her mischievous older brother Earl and envied the curls of her beloved younger sister Alyce. The Great Depression was hard on the family, losing their home and farm, resulting in multiple moves over the years. However, Roy took on whatever additional work he could find, while also farming with relatives, and Mazie grew most of the family’s food, so they managed to make ends meet. Davida recalled many fond memories with family and friends during these times, despite the hardships. With help from an aunt and uncle, Davida completed the teacher training program at Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls. She taught elementary grades in several rural schools – Round Grove, Highland Center, Haskins, and Kalona. She loved the work, the students and the friends she made at college and through her teaching jobs, and she maintained some of those relationships throughout life. During World War II, Davida kept correspondence with a young soldier she’d met in Haskins, Donald Louis Nicholson. After his return, they decided to get married, which happened in the Little Brown Church at Nashua, Iowa on May 27, 1946. In 2016, they celebrated their 70th anniversary. In 1948 Davida and Don had a son Dean Allen. Two years later they purchased a farm east of Trenton, followed by the birth of their daughter Patricia Lee. Once Patricia entered school, Davida went back to teaching second and third grades in Trenton for a few years. For nearly 30 years they farmed here and actively participated in nearby Finley Methodist Church. They raised cattle, hogs, chickens, oats, hay, corn and soybeans. Davida grew a large vegetable garden and canned much of the family’s food. Her greatest joy, however, was her flower garden. She was known throughout her community and church for her beautiful flowers. Don and Davida retired to Washington, Iowa in 1988. Davida continued her flower hobby and turned their small rented house into a local attraction. They became active members of the United Presbyterian Church, and Davida was a volunteer reader with second graders at Stewart Elementary for many years. Bowling, pool, word puzzles and walking were favorite activities. In 2003, the couple moved into an apartment at the United Presbyterian Home. As their family expanded into the next generations, visits, including playing games, were always a highlight. Davida is survived by son Dean (Dianne) of Freeport, IL and their daughters Kari Falcone (Mike) with daughter Anna and son Nicholas of Morris Plains, NJ and Jeni McCann (Mike) with daughters Allison and Elizabeth of Algonquin, IL; daughter Patricia Ryan of Iowa City, IA and her step-son Casey Ryan (Kelly) with son Michael and daughter Bailey of San Francisco, CA and step-daughter Brenna Namakajo (Semu) with daughter Misa of New York City, NY; and 7 loving nieces and nephews. Davida was preceded in death by her husband Don in 2017; her parents; brother Earl Fisher and wife Florence; sister Alyce (Fisher) Holscher and husband Bill; brother-in-law Arnold Nicholson and wife Edith; and son-in-law Dennis Ryan. The family would like to thank the staff of the United Presbyterian Home and Hospice of Washington County for their excellent care of Davida in the final stages of her life. The family will receive relatives and friends at The Jones & Eden Funeral Home, 116 E. Main, Washington from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 1, 2018. The funeral will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Chaplain Andrew Zuehlke officiating, followed by burial at Elm Grove Cemetery. Attendees are invited to stay for lunch afterwards. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice of Washington County or The United Presbyterian Home.

Davida B. Nicholson

January 12, 1918 - August 26, 2018