Arleen Christeen Nicholson

Arleen Christeen Nicholson passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Arleen was born in 1955 to Warren and Mary Pitt and was the second of five daughters. From an early age, she was known for her warmth, determination, and unmistakable joy for life.

Throughout her life, Arleen worked many jobs, including driving a school bus and a bus for a retirement center, working as a legal secretary, preparing taxes, and owning Nicholson Farms and a Bistro. She later returned to school in her forties, earning an accounting degree from Central Washington University, and finished her career working with the IRS. While she wore many professional hats, Arleen’s greatest and most cherished role was being a devoted and loving mother.

Arleen was deeply involved in her church and found great joy and purpose in her faith. She loved her garden and always had new plans growing alongside it. She had a contagious spirit and could always be found by her loud, distinctive laugh — a sound that brought smiles wherever she went. Arleen loved to laugh, have a good time, and make others feel welcome.

Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she treasured every moment spent doing activities with them. Her favorite places were church, being with her family, and spending time at her beach house in Ocean Shores. She had a love for the color orange, anything vibrant, flamingos, and eyeballs — all reflections of her fun, unique personality.

Arleen is survived by her son, Edward Nicholson, and daughter, Sarah Shepard; her daughter-in-law, Carolie Larson, and son-in-law, James Shepard; her beloved grandchildren, Aiden Shepard, Ian Shepard, Layla Nicholson, and Colton Nicholson; and her sisters, Karen Pitt, DiAnna Lanskey, Donna Park, and Jeanne Fattrusso. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who were touched by her life.

Family, friends, and all whose lives Arleen touched are invited to gather at Apostolic Lighthouse Church on Saturday, January 31st, at 11:00 a.m., to reminisce, grieve, support one another, and, of course, just chat — something Arleen always loved.

Arleen’s love, laughter, faith, and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered.