Jane Louise (Newhard) Nichols-Bates

Cambridge - It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Jane Louise Nichols-Bates on January 15, 2025, in Cambridge, NY. Jane lived a long and fulfilling life, celebrating her 90th birthday on December 7th, surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors at the Coila Church.

Born on December 7, 1934, in Carey, Ohio, to Jay P. Newhard and Martha Gertrude Hart, Jane was a cherished woman within her community.  She was known as an accomplished artist and faithful member of the Coila Church for decades. Jane was a three-time cancer survivor and lived a life filled with vigor and enthusiasm, enjoying time hiking, skiing, camping, canoeing, and fishing.  She was known for her sense of humor, quick wit, and infectious laughter.

At the urging of her parents, Jane became a Nurse Anesthetist and worked for nearly twenty-seven years at Mary McClellan Hospital. During her tenure at Mary McClellan, Jane met and married Phillip L. Nichols in 1971 and soon gave birth to their only son, Joel L. Nichols, in 1972. Joel was the joy of Jane and Phillip’s lives, filling their days with laughter, life lessons, and mischief.

Although Jane’s medical career was fulfilling, her true passion was making art. Painting was her true method of connecting with the world. Her slice-of-life depictions of Cambridge and her numerous New England landscapes will continue to delight us and remind us of her passion for art for years to come.  In Jane’s words, “I was always compelled to paint and draw. It was in my blood. Despite my parents' reluctance to support me as an artist, I continued to make art throughout my life. Keep dreaming. Don’t give up. God gave us each our very own talent. I say to you - use it!” Her magnificent artwork has graced many local businesses and private residences throughout her career. Jane’s paintings will live on as a physical manifestation of her legacy.   

Jane had a love for animals, and her favorite holiday was Christmas. She first owned a farm in Shushan, raising Quarter horses and Christmas trees. She took great pleasure in their company and found joy in her work on a small farm. Later in life, she enjoyed time raising alpacas and chickens at her home in Cambridge, where she lived for 50 years.

After the death of her first husband, Philip Nichols, Jane was fortunate to meet John Bates at Coila Church. John and Jane became immediate companions, and in 1990, they married, blending their families. John and Jane loved to travel and experience new cultures. Together, they enjoyed traveling to places such as the wilds of Alaska, the coasts of Maine, the outback of Australia, and many national parks. Upon their return, Jane would often paint scenes from their numerous adventures.

Jane is survived by her only son, Joel L. Nichols; step-children John Bates, Jr, Jolene Bates, Jhvonne Higgins, and Justyn Bates; grandchildren Lillian, Philip, and Julia Nichols; step-grandchildren John, Juandrea, Jeffrey, Joshua, Jacob, Isaiah, and Emily Bates.  

Jane was predeceased by her brother, John Newhard, her first husband, Philip L. Nichols, her second husband, John W. Bates, and her grandson, Jayme Bates.

Calling hours will be held at the Coila Church, 93 State Route 372, Cambridge on Saturday, January 25th, from 11 am to 1 pm, with a service from 1-2 pm. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jane’s memory to the Coila Church, 93 NY-372, Cambridge, NY 12816.

To express your sympathy or share a memory, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com

The Ackley, Ross & Gariepy Funeral Home in Cambridge in assisting the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jane Louise (Newhard) Nichols-Bates, please visit our floral store.