Kirstin (Kris) Nichols
Feb. 20, 1947-Oct. 19, 2024
Cupertino, California

Kirstin (Kris) Clark Nichols died peacefully on Saturday October 19th, 2024 at her home in Cupertino, California, following dementia complications. At her side was her beloved husband Fred, her companion and best friend for 55 years as well as her three sons, daugher-in-law, and three grandchildren. She is survived by her husband Fred, their three sons, Matthew, John, and Andrew, their wives Meagan, Elizabeth, and Sarah, and their four grandchildren William, Samuel, Maria, and Alexander.

Kris was born in Los Angeles in 1947, the only child of Vernon and Rosemary Larsen Clark. In 1951 the family moved to Palo Alto, which would be Kris’ home for most of her life. Kris graduated with honors from Palo Alto High School with the Class of 1964 and received the Ray Tinney Award for “Outstanding Citizenship Promise.” She graduated with distinction from the University of California at Berkeley (BA 1968; MA 1970). While taking a graduate school course at the University of Washington's Friday Harbor Marine Laboratories (FHL) in the summer of 1969, Kris had a chance meeting with Fred, beginning a long-distance courtship that culminated with their marriage in 1971, and subsequent move to Palo Alto in 1974. In 1977, Kris and Fred welcomed their first son Matthew, followed in less than two years by identical twins John and Andrew in 1979. Kris delighted in raising her three sons as they followed in her footsteps to Palo Alto High School and beyond.

Kris was an accomplished research scientist, first working as electron microscopist, and then as an Information Technologist with the Alza Pharmaceutical Company in Palo Alto, a position she held for 17 years before retiring. Throughout her adult life, Kris nurtured a love of classical music, and was a cherished member of choral singing groups at the First Congregational Church in Palo Alto and various Bach Society choirs. After retirement, Kris and Fred began a wonderful life of traveling, particularly enjoying sailing and hiking with friends in wonderful places throughout the United States and abroad. Eventually, Kris settled into a quiet life at the Forum at Rancho San Antonio Retirement Community with Fred, close friends, and family. Until her final days, Kris looked forward to weekly dinners with her nearby family, and enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow up into teenagers.

A private memorial will be held for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kris’ name to Music for Minors. www.mfm.org 200 Industrial Road, Suite 195, San Carlos, CA 94070