ST. PETERSBURG - Geraldyne C. "Gerry" Nickels, named a Queen of Hearts for her numerous good deeds for local charities and civic causes, has died at 77.
Mrs. Nickels, who died Wednesday (July 30, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center of pneumonia, was recognized for her volunteer efforts in 1970.
She was selected by the Queen's Court from names presented by clubs and organizations that support civic, cultural and welfare projects.
An "angel" for Boley Centers for Behavioral Health Care, she helped raise money to support residential, medical and dental programs for people with emotional, psychiatric and behavioral problems. She was one of Boley's early supporters.
Over the years, her community efforts ranged widely and included the All Children's Hospital Guild, the Christmas Toy Shop, the Heart Ball and the Stuart Society of the Museum of Fine Arts.
She belonged to the Florida Philharmonic Association, Women's Service League and Infinity, the League to Aid Abused Children and Adults Inc.
Mrs. Nickels came here from her native Toronto in 1949 and was a homemaker.
Her husband of 48 years, Dr. John H. Nickels, a retired optometrist and noted collector of antique cars, died in 1997. Survivors include two daughters, Pamela Nickels, St. Petersburg, and Deborah Torbush, Stone Mountain, Ga.; a son, Dr. John Jr., Highland Heights, Ohio; a sister, Donna Gwynn, Spring Hill; and four grandchildren.
A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, 2201 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Boley Centers for Behavioral Health Care Inc., 445 31st St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713.
- Information from Times files was used in this obituary.
