Saratoga Springs, NY - Patricia G. Nichols departed this life on Saturday, October 29, 2011, at the Wesley Health Care Center during a snow and sleet storm. She was 83. Born during a blizzard on March 17, 1928 at her family home on Second Street, she was the daughter of the late Dudley and Dorothy (Dickinson) Groff. She was a wife, mother, and homemaker who kept the accounts for Nichols Garage. For many years, she served as a poll worker on primary and election day and was a lifelong resident of Saratoga Springs. A graduate of Mildred Elley, she worked for a time as a legal secretary and in addition to her parents, Patricia was predeceased by her beloved son, Robert G. Nichols, Jr., and her brothers, Thomas Groff and Dudley Groff. Survivors include her husband of 64 years, Robert G. Nichols, Sr., of Saratoga Springs, her daughter and son-in-law, Beth Nichols Hesse and Robert Hesse of Castleton-on-Hudson; her dear granddaughter, Lauren Hesse of Brooklyn; one sister, Joan Smith, a brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Harriet Groff, and her youngest brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Judy Groff, as well as many nieces, nephews, dear friends and neighbors. Patricia lived with severe rheumatoid arthritis for decades, but she had a determined spirit and the will to persevere. Her husband, Bob was a devoted and patient caregiver who provided for her many needs. She was always interested in the news of the day and politics and enjoyed discussing issues. She loved her family, home and flower garden, reading periodicals and novels, and vacationing on Cape Cod. She was also a longstanding member of the United Methodist Church in Saratoga Springs. Relatives and friends may call from 1pm to 2pm Wednesday, Nov. 2 , 2011, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway (584-5373), followed by a funeral service at 2pm. Interment will follow in the family plot in Greenridge Cemetery, Lincoln Ave. The family would like to thank Dr. George Jolly and all the physicians who provided specialized care and treatment over the years, the staff of Saratoga Hospital, and the caring and compassionate employees of 2 Springs at the Wesley Health Care Center who were so kind and attentive at this difficult time. For those wishing to make a donation, in lieu of flowers, to honor the memory of Patricia G. Nichols, the family asks you to consider a gift to the Center for Disability Services Foundation, 314 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208-1794 or online at support our mission: www.cfdsny.org, or to the Wesley Health Care Center Foundation, 131 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.