SOUTH GLENS FALLS – Rita A. (Nicholson) French, 90, of South Glens Falls, passed away on Friday, January, 20, 2017, at Saratoga Hospital.
Born on November 21, 1926, in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late John P. and Elizabeth “Betty” (Wells) Nicholson.
Rita was a graduate of Adirondack Community College, receiving her RN degree in 1967. She obtained her administrative license for nursing homes and attended Florida International University to further her nursing education. In 1971, she opened Eden Park Nursing Home, now called The Pines, on Warren Street in Glens Falls, serving as an administrator. In 1976, Rita moved to Florida, and served as Administrator for Easter Manor Nursing Home in Fort Pierce, FL. She was also an adjunct faculty for the Nursing Department at Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce. Upon returning to Glens Falls, Rita returned to the medical field, working for Dr. Thomas Coppens, MD at Irongate Center, then finally retiring for the 4th time.
Her husband George E. French, passed away in 1990.
Rita was a communzzicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s. She enjoyed gardening, roses and boating. Rita especially loved her grandchildren and was considered the family historian.
In addition to her parents and husband, Rita is predeceased by her two children, Thomas E. French in 2008, and Richard M. French in 2006; her daughter-in-law, Susanne French in 2012; and her sister Patricia LaBelle in 2007.
Survivors include, her daughter, Cynthia French of South Glens Falls; her son, Daniel M. French and his wife, Kristine of Colorado; her son Vincent M. French and his wife, Vickie of Florida; her grandchildren: Christine Mitchell of Florida, David French of Florida, Adam French of Colorado, Kyle French of Colorado, Elanna French of Colorado, Janean Sisler of Florida, Richard French, II of Florida, Vanessa Chosewood of Florida, Andrew French of Florida, Jessica Ansel of Florida; 14 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; her brother, Richard Nicholson and his wife, Kay of Queensbury; her sister, Corleen Daly and her husband, Leonard of Kingsbury; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Friends are invited to call on Friday from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. at 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday at 11 am at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls, with the Reverend Thomas Babiuch officiating.
The Rite of Committal will take place at the family’s convenience.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rita’s name can be made out to St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s, 11 Wall St, Hudson Falls, NY 12839, or a charity of one’s choice.
The family would like to thank the Saratoga Hospital nursing staff, Dr. Wang, Dr. Waters, and the Palliative Care team for their special care.
