Marjorie Handy Nichols, age 97, a New Canaan resident for over 50 years, passed away peacefully on Saturday September 9, 2017 at her home in Redding, CT. Muffy, as she was known to all, was born in New York City, September 7, 1920 the daughter of the late Cortlandt and Julia Ramsey Handy. Muffy grew up in Cedarhurst and Woodmere, Long Island, attended the Lawrence Country Day school and spent many summers as a camper and jr-counselor at Camp Beenadeewin on Lake Fairlee, VT. She graduated from Milton Academy, Class of ’38, and was her class agent for over 25 years. During WWII she worked for Asiatic Petroleum Corp tracking Caribbean oil distribution and at night volunteered for the 1st Interceptor Command monitoring aircraft over New York City. On Sept 5th, 1947 she married Gouverneur (Nick) Morris Nichols and they moved to New Canaan in 1950 where they raised their two sons. Nick passed away in 2006 followed by Muffy’s sister, Judith Parker Handy, in 2008. Muffy always preferred to be outdoors. She was a passionate and accomplished gardener receiving a commendation from the Garden Club of America for her years of service to the New Canaan Garden club where she was president from 1974-76. At the New Canaan Nature Center she helped organize their annual fundraising horticulture symposium. After moving to Meadow Ridge in 2002, she became an active volunteer on the Grounds and Beautification committees helping to design and enhance the landscaping and establish the community garden areas. She and Nick spent most summers sailing their beloved sloop, Osprey, locally in Long Island Sound, along the Maine coast and to the Bay of Fundy. They participated in cruises organized by the Corinthians and the New York Yacht Club where they were both members. Muffy was a proud “Certificated Lady” of the Power Squadron. Their love of travel took them all over the world though Muffy’s favorite destination was France, especially Paris. Muffy will be lovingly remembered by James (Mary) Nichols of Norwalk, CT and Robert Nichols of Kittery Pt., ME, her granddaughter Kimberly (Andy) Hinds of Hingham, MA and her 8 week old great-grandson, James Parker Hinds. A Celebration of Muffy’s life will be held at St Mark’s Episcopal Church, 111 Oenoke Ridge New Canaan on November 4th at 11 am. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Highstead, P.O. Box 1097 Redding, CT 06875 or at www.highstead.net