Marian Nichols Vendemia, 92, of Drexel, passed away on April 18, 2024 in her home following a period of declining health. She died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Marian was born on August 30, 1931 in Cherokee County, N.C., the sixth of thirteen children of Florence and Luther Nichols. She grew up in the Drexel area and graduated from Drexel High School in 1950.
Shortly after graduation she left home to fulfill her dream of working for the Martin Company in Baltimore, M.D. where her two brothers and brother-in-law had worked while awaiting deployment to the service during War Time . It was there that she met a handsome engineer, Anthony Vendemia, who would later become her devoted husband of 62 years. Marian and Anthony had two children, Steve and Toni Lynn. While raising their family, Marian had a second career in education working both at the National Education Association in Washington, D.C. and later as a teacher’s aide in Florida.
Marian was known for her strength and determination, her strong beliefs and progressive views. She was a staunch proponent of education, an avid reader, political enthusiast and lover of plants and flowers. She took pride in her appearance and had strikingly beautiful white hair.
Fiercely devoted to her family and friends, Marian took great joy in talking with her loved ones and staying connected and up on current events. She was known for remembering those close to her with thoughtful cards and letters.
In addition to her parents and husband Anthony, she was preceded in death by brothers, Lloyd, Harold, Floyd, Carl; sisters, Lillian Nichols, Leeuna Nichols, and Evelyn Jean Nichols along with loving in-laws, friends and family.
She was survived by her son, Steve Vendemia and wife Susan of Clearwater Beach, FL; daughter, Toni Hay and husband John of Hendersonville, NC; seven grandchildren, Anthony Vendemia and fiancé Sara, Stephanie Vendemia & husband Ryan, and Carly Vendemia and husband Matt; two great grandchildren Madison and Cameron; Daniel Hay and wife Heather, Theresa Hay, Carl Hay and wife Tara, Claudia Wessel & husband Chris, as well as Tommy Keener and wife Allie of Jacksonville, FL; brothers, Denny Nichols, Bob Nichols, Buck Nichols; sisters, Reba Canipe and Ema Jean Nichols. Her life was enriched by her many special nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.
Funeral Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Thursday, April 25, 2024, in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese with Rev. Cindy Wechter officiating. Interment will follow in the Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:00 until 1:00 P.M. at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to her devoted caregivers. Memorials may be made to Christ Methodist Church and Amorem Burke Hospice. An online guestbook and obituary is available at www heritagefuneralserivces.com.
I would like to offer my condolences to the entire family . Our prayers are with you and may your heart be comforted by the love and support that is being shared. Ms. Mariam who I affectionately called mom was very supportive to me and some of the challenges that I was going through with my son. So I appreciate the love that she expressed to me and I’m thankful for Toni Lynn allowing the Johnson Family of Jacksonville to be a part of this family.
Loved my Marian..she was always friendly and never failed to speak a kind word. She will be missed!
Love And Prayers Sent To The Family.
It was a pleasure to have been a part of Marian’s life for the past few months. She was an independent and strong woman. She dearly loved her family and friends, and as one her caregivers, I enjoyed her company and her caring ways; Marian always thanked me and told me to be careful when I would leave to go home for the day. Now Marian has been called home where I know she will rest in peace.