Joan Carole Nicholson (Lamica), born December 15, 1938 in Holyoke, MA, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Friday, June 10, 2022 following a long, relentless battle with Parkinson's disease.

Joan was an avid writer who penned several mystery novels under the pseudonym JC Nicholson as well as poetry using the pen name Joan Harris Benard. She was predeceased by her husband William H. Nicholson in 2021.

Born to Ruby (Ladue) and Daniel Lamica (both deceased), she is survived by her brothers Daniel Jr. Robin, and Jimmy.  Her brother Thomas passed away in 1983. She is also survived by her sisters Rosemary Simonich, Mary Bain, and Carolyn Antaloci. She is survived by numerous sister and brother in laws as well.  Daughters Donna Benard (Biloxi, MS), Bonnie Benard (South Hadley, MA) and Jennifer (Benard) Simmons (Tustin, CA). Her son John Benard (Eddyville, OR).  She is also survived by her grandchildren Aurielle Simmons and Jack Simmons (Tustin, CA). And, one of her beloved cats, Alex, who resides with her daughter, Jennifer. Joan lost her beloved son, Buddy (Albert Benard), in 1996.

Joan met her husband and love of her life, Bill (aka "Wild Bill") in Massachusetts. Married on April 1, 1984, they were indeed fools in love. Soon after, they moved to Hawaii for Bill's career. He was principal in the Hawaii education system and lived on the islands of Molaki, Maui and Oahu. Though they thrived in Hawaii they fell prey to a touch of island fever. The cure? A move to Southern California to be near their daughter, Jennifer. They never left.  She eventually bought the home of her dreams in the desert and filled it with five cats — representative of her five children. She tended to those furry creatures like they were her children. Once the grandchildren arrived, there was more to love. Family gatherings filled with laughter and joy was the norm. Christmas with grandma was indeed special.

After being a stay-at-home mom for many years, Joan joined the workforce in the 1970s as a telephone operator for New England Telephone and Telegraph. She was promoted within several times and was the first woman in Massachusetts to take on the job of Telephone Lineman, climbing ladders daily in addition to the arduous task of driving back and forth from Western Mass to just outside Boston. She was the only woman in Western Massachusetts to have the coveted position. She was driven to break down traditional barriers. During this time, she also studied at Springfield Technical Community College and was a member of Toastmasters. She excelled in public speaking and won accolades and awards. All through mom hood and her work life she wrote poetry which was frequently published in Holyoke Telegraph newspaper's Oracle feature. She retired at age 54 to pursue her passion — writing. And she excelled as a published fiction author.

Joan will be dearly missed by her family and friends who adored her. Joan was a mother, a sister, a friend, a wife, a grandmother, and a business woman. And if you were lucky enough to really know her, fiercely loyal to those she loved. She lives on in our hearts and minds. She was a small-town girl living in a big world. She truly loved life. Godspeed to you, Joan.