Obituary of Gloria Masako Nicholson
It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gloria Masako Nicholson, a beloved mother, mother-in-law, aunt, grandmother, and friend. Gloria passed away peacefully in Arizona on April 25, 2023, surrounded by her three children.
Gloria was born on May 27, 1940, in New York, to immigrant parents Sakuzo Tashiro and Josephine Boyce. She spent her childhood living on Coney Island, where she developed a love for the beach and the ocean that would stay with her throughout her life.
In 1967, Gloria married the love of her life, Charles Graham Nicholson, and together they raised three children, William Joseph Maquez, Jennifer Lynn Nicholson, and Matthew Charles Nicholson. She was a devoted mother who instilled in her children the values of hard work, honesty, and kindness.
Gloria had a successful career in the travel and import/export industries. She rooted her family in Queens, NY, and Springfield, VA, before she and her husband fulfilled their dream of building a home in Hilton Head Island, SC. As one of her greatest accomplishments, she poured her heart and soul into creating a space that was warm, welcoming, and filled with love. Hosting family and friends often, she took joy in her love of the arts, good food and time with loved ones.
Gloria lived her final years as a strong-willed and beautiful woman. In 2019 she moved to Chandler, AZ, to be closer to her family, whom she adored. She was a devoted grandmother to Jonathan William Maquez, Sabrina Hope Nicholson, Peyton Matthew Nicholson, Callan Douglas Nicholson, Perry Shae Nicholson, and Asher Graham Nicholson, and loving mother-in-law to Jeannie M Maquez, Brian Daniel Fowler and Jill Marissa Nicholson.
She leaves behind a beloved sister-in-law, Geraldine Ann Nicholson and John & Donna Tashrio, her brother John's children.
Gloria never lost her kind spirit and remained strong-willed until the very end. She touched the lives of everyone she met and left a lasting impression on those who knew her. She gifted us with a legacy of love, kindness, and determination that will live on for generations to come.
Rest in peace, Gloria Masako Nicholson. You will forever be in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that you kindly leave a message on this site, and visit this link to view a slideshow of photos to one of her favorite songs.
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