BJ Nichols

On April 16, 2025, after a valiant fight, our Mother BJ Nichols went to be with the Lord.

Betty Jean "BJ" Atkinson was born in Coulee Dam on March 27, 1947. She attended Coulee Dam Schools. She married Vic Piccolo and they moved to Seaton's Grove to start a family only a hundred yards from where she grew up.

After her divorce with Victor, BJ married Robert Nichols who she loved until he preceded her in death. The two were quite a pair, even owning a crack sealing business in the mid 1990's where they both demonstrated the value of hard work.

BJ was the biological mother of three boys, Ted Piccolo, Vincent "Joe" Piccolo and Jeff Piccolo. Just as special to her were her two step children Scotty and Lisa Nichols. She loved her kids like they hung the moon.

She was proud of her grandchildren; Jillian (Scott), Brittany, Heather (Lisa), Kendall, Madeline (Ted Piccolo), Christopher, Sierra, Keifer, Jayson (Joe Piccolo), Issabel (Jeff Piccolo) and many great grand children.

BJ was truly at peace watching her children and grand children all together playing, playing music, rough housing. She loved watching her kids and grandkids be kids even as adults.

She was an entrepreneur. A servant. Mom always wanted to help people. If you were part of her family she would give you the clothes off of her back and the car she drove. And often times did.

Though she was tough and testy, BJ never harbored anger long. If she liked you 60 years ago the odds are that even through differences she liked you till her last day.

She remained quick witted to the end. Though her kids would constantly try to "pull one over" on her she rarely bit.

She knew how an internal combustion engine ran and she knew how to make restaurant patrons feel welcome while waiting tables. If you had troubles or a problem or someone was against you, she had your back.

The world lost a good one on April 16, 2025, and heaven gained a cheerleader.

A memorial service will be held at 12 noon on May 3rd at the Moses Lake Alliance Church 1100 N. Grape Dr

Mom... You'd be amazed.