Obituary: Nicky Maria Nicholls Stevenson, 77, Of Bethel

Information and Photo Courtesy Hull Funeral Home

BETHEL, CT — Nicky Maria Nicholls Stevenson, 77, peacefully passed away at her residence in Bethel, on April 16, 2024, following an extended illness. Born on April 19, 1946, in London, England, she was the daughter of the late Phyllis and Christopher Nicholls. At the age of 12, Nicky immigrated to the United States with her family in 1958, settling in Bethel, where she attended local schools before pursuing her education at Sacred Heart University. She briefly worked at Branson Ultrasonics, where she met her future husband, Robert D. Stevenson Jr. Devoted to her role as wife and mother, she dedicated over 35 years of her life as the esteemed "Miss Nicky," Head Teacher at the Gingerbread Schoolhouse in Bethel.

Known for her compassionate and gentle nature, Nicky was admired by many for her kindness and dedication to helping others. A lifelong learner, she had a passion for reading and was frequently seen immersed in books on her Kindle. Her love for animals, particularly her cherished house cats, was evident, and she took great pleasure in her routine tea times throughout the day. Nicky enjoyed traveling with her family to Cape Cod and visiting her sister in Florida. As a child, she displayed prodigious talent as a violinist and later excelled as an author, artist, and creator of intricate crochet and needlepoint pieces. While her passing leaves a void in the lives of her family and friends, the love she shared will endure.

Surviving Nicky are her daughters, Sarah Kelsey and Melina (Dennis) Arcano, along with three grandchildren: Jillian Kelsey, Mason Kelsey, and Jasper Kelsey. She is also survived by her sister, Heather Rowlands, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Nicky was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Bob "Steve" Stevenson.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, located at 95 Greenwood Avenue in Bethel, followed by interment in the church courtyard.

Nicky's family extends their sincere appreciation to her healthcare providers and caregivers, particularly RVNA Hospice, for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations in Nicky's memory can be made to RVNA Hospice.