Bethany J. Nichols

Bethany J. Nichols, 53, of East Pharsalia, NY, passed away surround by her loving family on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Albany Medical Center.

Born on March 15, 1973, in Norwich, Bethany was a daughter of John and Mary Lou (Hoke) McAvoy. Bethany graduated from Sherburne-Earlville schools in 1991 and furthered her education at SUNY Morrisville earning her degree in nursing. For several years, Bethany was a hair dresser owning her own business and later working at Cinnamon’s in Norwich. She later worked for Chenango Memorial Hospital as a clinical nurse and for Springbrook in Norwich as a direct support professional for fourteen years. Most recently, Bethany was employed at Catholic Charities as a case manager continuing to help those in need.

Bethany was very active for her community. She proudly served for the last twenty-four years as an EMT in the Pharsalia Fire Department; was past president, treasurer, and secretary and volunteered for the BBQ, fish fry’s and, and bake sales at the McDonough American Legion; and volunteered for the Pharsalia Farmer’s Market. She enjoyed spending time in Inlet, NY since she was a child, was a member of the “Miles of Love” scholarship for high school seniors, and played pool on the “Miles Misfits” team. Most of all, Bethany always made time for their loving family – especially her grandchildren.

Bethany is survived by her husband, Eugene Nichols, of East Pharsalia; mother, Mary Lou McAvoy, of Norwich; children, Megan McAvoy, of Norwich, Mackenzie Nichols (Nik Barber), of Norwich, and Kayla Nichols (Robert Alletzhauser), of Chittenango, NY; grandchildren, Amelia Alpaugh-McAvoy, Scarlett Alpaugh-McAvoy, Ryleigh Nichols, Aubree Nichols, and Calista Alletzhauser; siblings, Karen (Robert) Crown, Kelly (Bruce) Wooley, and Kathy (Daniel) Black, Christine McAvoy (Allen Paul), Connie McAvoy Murray, and David McCarthy; aunt, Rudy Hoke, of Norwich; parent-in-laws, Eugene Sr. and Muriel Nichols; sister-in-law’s, Lori Olsen and Paula Nichols; nieces and nephews, Corey Black, Katelyn Gigilotti, Kelsey Black, Timmy Nichols, Eric Olsen, Mallory Olsen-Nichols. Nicholas McConnell, Kyle Linger, Skylee Shaver, and Amanda Burlison; and several cousins and great nieces and nephews. Bethany was predeceased by her father, John McAvoy; brother, Dan McCarthy; brother-in-law, Miles Nichols; aunt, Lee Frey; and nephews, Charles Shaver, III and Benjamin Olsen-Russell.

Friends and family are invited to the Wilson Funeral Home on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please dress casual and in bright attire.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Miles Leonard Nichols Memorial Scholarship, 963 County Road 8, McDonough, NY 13801 or to the Pharsalia Fire Department, PO Box 41, East Pharsalia, NY 13758.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted with the Wilson Funeral Home.