Catherine "Cathy" NIchols

Catherine (Cathy) Nichols

June 2, 1951 – April 10, 2026

Catherine “Cathy” Nichols lived a life rooted in deep faith, generosity, and love. Her children often joked that she had a direct line to God—especially on days when she confidently promised the weather would hold because she had “spoken to Him about it.” Whether or not the skies obeyed, there was no doubt that Cathy’s life reflected a profound and abiding spiritual connection.

Cathy was born on June 2, 1951, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Jose (Joe) and Carmelita (Lena) Roybal. From an early age, she was known for her gentle nature and kind heart. After graduating from Santa Fe High School, she followed a calling to religious life, joining the Dominican Sisters. As Sister Mary Dominic, she devoted herself to prayer, music, and ministry, helping young women through housing and education. Those years remained a cherished part of her life and spiritual foundation.

After a decade, Cathy discerned a new path. At a birthday celebration, she met the man she would lovingly call “her Patrick.” Despite his two left feet and a close call with steel-toed boots on the dance floor, she saw something special. The two were married on September 27, 1980, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cerrillos, New Mexico, and built a life together on the land they would call home for 45 years.

Together, they raised two children, Megin and Erin, and created a home that became a gathering place for many. Cathy was not only a devoted mother to her own children but a second mother to countless others in the Ortiz Mountains and surrounding communities. Her kitchen table was always open—to friends, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone in need of a warm meal, encouragement, or simply someone to listen. Her hospitality and compassion made everyone feel seen and welcome.

Cathy’s life was one of service. She worked as a bilingual kindergarten teacher, shared her faith through Catholic catechism, and supported others through her work at Santa Fe Imaging. Time and again, former students and patients would stop her to express gratitude for the difference she made in their lives—a testament to the quiet but powerful impact she had on so many.

She also found great joy in her relationships, treasuring time with her siblings and lifelong friends. Her adventures took her across the country and around the world, including trips to California, New York, Georgia, Florida, Medjugorje, and Italy—experiences that enriched her faith and deepened her appreciation for life.

In her later years, Cathy cherished the simple beauty of home, surrounded by the landscape of the Ortiz Mountains and the companionship of her beloved husband. Even in the face of dementia, her awareness of God’s presence and the beauty of nature never left her.

Cathy is survived by her devoted husband, Patrick, whose faithful care and love sustained her through her final days; her daughter who inherited her love of dancing, Megin Nichols (husband Zachary Hanna-Chaffee); her siblings Jane Gonzales, Elizabeth Roybal, and Joseph Roybal. She was preceded in death by her son, Erin; her parents; and her sister Ruby Montoya.

Cathy’s legacy is one of gentle strength, unwavering faith, and boundless kindness. In her memory, she would ask that you perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone in need.

All are welcome to celebrate her life Saturday, April 18th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cerrillos, New Mexico with a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and Mass at 10:00 a.m. followed by a reception. Burial will take place afterward at the Nichols residence for those able to attend.