Carol Joy Maki Nichols

With sad hearts we announce the passing of our dear Mother, Carol Joy Maki Nichols. She passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of July 12, 2022 at the age of 78. Carol is preceded in death by, and is now reunited with, her eternal companion, Roland Pratt Nichols, her brother, Clyde Maki, her parents, William Maki and Laila Koskela Maki Haavisto, and her step-father Fred Haavisto. Carol is survived by her 7 children, Kirsten (and Dean) Naughton, Reena Nichols, Sarah (and Steve) Merrill, Rachel (and Tony) Barnett, Jonathan (and Dawn) Nichols, Violet Nichols, and April (and David) Irwin. She is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren whom she loved very much. Born in Minnesota on December 4, 1943, Carol grew up surrounded by family. She attended Suomi College and Brigham Young University and earned a teaching degree. During her university years, she was able to travel to Europe. She left her tour group to travel to Finland with letters of introduction from her mother to meet Finnish relatives. When Carol's schooling was complete, she was offered a position in Holbrook, Arizona where she taught high school music and English. It was there that she met a young USAF Airman by the name of Roland Pratt Nichols. They married on November 20, 1968. They lived in Holbrook until 2001 when they moved to Mesa to be closer to their 7 children. Even though Carol was a teacher, she was also a voracious student. She was always studying something, including the scriptures, motivational talks, and other languages, mainly Spanish and Finnish. She made study a part of her weekly life and found comfort in study and learning. Carol had a passion for genealogy and her Finnish heritage. She loved music and enjoyed playing the piano. She also loved animals and plants, and she included them in her home. She enjoyed collecting petrified wood, beautiful rocks, and blue glass. She was happy to make friends and always shared her love for our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Carol loved her family dearly and was always thrilled to see them, speak to them, or hear about them. She will be missed until we are reunited and meet again across the veil. Services will be held at 9:00 am on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 633 South Higley Road, Mesa, AZ 85206. Funeral arrangements made by Meldrum Mortuary. Casket flower arrangement by Razzle Dazzle Flowers in Mesa. Cemetery Details City of Mesa Cemetery 1212 N. Center St. Mesa, AZ 85201 Loading map Previous Events Funeral Service JUL 30. 9:00 AM (MT) Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 633 S. Higley Rd. Mesa, AZ Loading map