Margarite Nicholas of Cochecton, NY passed away on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at the Sullivan County Adult Care Center in Liberty, NY, after a short illness. She was 81 years old.

Margarite Cullen was born in Paramas, NJ on May 12, 1942, to Hazel Harris-Cullen and Henry Mahr. Margarite was one of five children, raised in Bergen County, NJ and a 1960 graduate of Park Ridge High School. After high school, Margarite worked for AAA and provided route and mapping services for travelers planning their trips across the nation.  She began dating Robert Nicholas in 1959 and they married in 1962.  They spent their honeymoon driving to Miami Beach in Margarite’s VW Beetle visiting the many sites, family and friends along the way.  The newlyweds settled down in Park Ridge, NJ to start their family before moving to Cochecton, NY in 1970. Margarite and Robert’s children are Robert Jr., Kevin and Carrie.

Margarite loved nature and the peaceful tranquility of her home in Cochecton. She was an avid gardener who created and cultivated many spectacular and colorful flower and rock gardens at her home which often attracted out of town guests to stop and marvel. Margarite was a superb cook and baker and always had a homemade meal ready for those who visited the Nicholas home. Coming from large families, Margarite and Robert hosted family barbecues and gatherings that created lasting memories for their friends and relatives. Margarite was compassionate and, as a younger woman, helped her elderly neighbors by running errands, preparing meals and offering support for their well-being.  

Margarite and Robert spent their winters in Port Orange, FL for over 30 years until they were unable to continue making the trip. Margarite was co-owner of Bob’s Bootery in Monticello, NY with her husband Robert “Bob” for 28 years. Margarite was also a substitute teacher at BOCES and a waitress at Margo’s Diner in Monticello. Regardless of the many hats Margarite wore and her independent spirit, she was always home when the school bus arrived and ensured there was a hot meal on the dinner table for her family every night. 

Margarite is survived by her husband of 61 years Robert Sr. at home; sons Robert Jr. of Dallas, TX; Kevin (Denise) of Marietta, GA; daughter Carrie (Ricky) Welkis of Marietta, GA; five grandchildren, Hunter, Paige, and Madison Nicholas and Noah and Joshua Welkis all of Georgia.  She is survived by her sister Hazel Caplan of Clifton, NJ and brother Henry (Joyce) Cullen of Cary, NC.  Margarite is also survived by her sister-in-law and lifelong friend Yvonne Wenger of Fort Lauderdale, FL; a close family friend, Paul Puerschner of Kenoza Lake, NY; a sister-in-law Barbara Nicholas of Boyton Beach, FL and many nieces and nephews throughout the country.  

Margarite was predeceased by her parents, parents-in-law, two brothers, a daughter-in-law, six brothers-in-law, five sisters-in-law, two nephews and a niece.

Memorial donations can be made in Margarite’s name to the Sjogren’s Foundation Sjögren’s Foundation (4agc.com) or to one’s charity of their choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home, Jeffersonville, NY, 845-482-4280. To send condolences please visit stewartmurphyfh.com.