Kathryn McNichols

11/6/1948 — 2/7/2024

Service Date: 5/11/2024
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Kathryn Marie McNichols, 75, passed peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, due to complications from a stroke that she suffered in late December 2023.

Katie was born Nov. 6, 1948, to Wallace and Margaret Taylor in Seattle. The family moved to Norfolk, Va., then settled in Plantation, Fla. Katie graduated from Stranahan High School in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and spent one year attending the University of Florida before marrying her high school sweetheart, Vince Anderson. Vince served in the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed in Ft. Lauderdale, where her only child, Brian Anderson, was born. The family lived briefly in Texas then settled in Kennewick where Vince transferred with the Coast Guard. Katie received her nursing degree from Columbia Basin Community College and began her career as a RN. Katie and Vince later divorced after 10 years of marriage.

While working as an OR nurse at Kadlec Hospital, Katie met a wonderful anesthesiologist named Garry Boyer. Katie found a soul mate in Garry. They loved to enjoy a glass of wine while listening to jazz aboard their sailboat “Trafalgar”. Katie and Garry had many adventures in their time together and lived life to the fullest. Katie was heartbroken when Garry suddenly passed away at the age of 59.

A few years later, Katie met another wonderful man named Michael McNichols. They had a brief, intense courtship and married soon after. Katie and Michael had many adventures while traveling the world visiting museums, meeting new friends and sipping wine on all seven continents. Michaels death in 2019 left Katie heartbroken once again. She found solace spending time with friends playing mahjong, playing bridge, attending book club and finance club.

Throughout her life, Katie loved adventure and was always looking for a challenge. Katie played tennis from the time she was a teenager, and when that became too difficult she took up pickleball. She loved skiing, rafting and even tried hang gliding with her husband Michael. With her nursing background, Katie was always willing to help a friend or family member in need. When her parents became disabled, she moved them to Lewiston and became their tireless advocate. Katie’s stepchildren and stepgrandchildren brought her so much joy. She always thought of them as her own.

Katie is survived by her son Brian Anderson (Heather), of Wenatchee; stepson John McNichols (Lisa), of Alexandria, Va.; stepdaughter Kate McNichols (Scott McGlashan), of Berkley, Calif.; stepdaughter Kristin Boyer, of Walla Walla; stepdaughter Lisa Nickerson (Matt), of Newport, Wash.; stepson John Boyer, of Kennewick, granddaughter Samantha Prentice (Mitchel), of Blaine, Wash., and six stepgrandchildren, Nick, Eliza, Inez, Eleanor, Mary Catherine and Rita; brothers Steve Taylor (Heidi) of Dade City, Fla.; Chris Taylor (Alice), of Dallas; and sister, Janet Koerner (Chris), of Boulder, Colo.; as well as many nieces and nephews whom she loved very much.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 11, at the Hells Canyon Grand Hotel, 621 21st St., Lewiston, followed by a luncheon. A private family graveside interment will precede the celebration of life at Normal Hill Cemetery, Lewiston.

Memorial contributions in Katie’s name may be made to Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston or to the Lewiston Public Library.