Mary Jane Nichols
October 20, 1934 – February 24, 2026 (Age 91)
Mary Jane (Ash) Nichols, age 91, widow of Joseph Nichols, died on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Manatawny Manor Nursing Center, Pottstown.
Born in Norristown on October 20, 1934, she was a daughter of the late Francis Mitchell and adopted by the late Charles Ash and the late Alice (Gehm) Ash Davis.
Raised in Phoenixville, Mary Jane was a 1953 graduate of Phoenixville High School. She married in 1954 to the late Robert Rowland. Mary Jane was a homemaker/loving mother raising 6 children for many years in Birchrunville. She worked for Jack Lang and Blackhorse Restaurant. She later married Joseph Nichols for 14 years until his passing in 1995. Mary Jane worked with her son Bob at his business, Priceless Car Rental.
Mary Jane attended Calvary Bible Church in Phoenixville for 40 years, and Calvary Baptist for the last couple of years. Her hobbies were jewelry making, gardening and surf fishing. She attended monthly social gatherings with her Phoenixville high classmates.
She is survived by three sons, Robert Rowland Jr. and his wife Debrorah, Pottstown; Scott Rowland and his wife Brenda, Elverson; and David Rowland, Birdsboro. Two daughters, Linda, wife of Roy Krepps, Elverson; and Cindy, wife of Alan P. Britto, Kimberton. One brother, Charles "Chuck" Ash and his wife Maureen, of Phoenixville. Eleven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by one daughter, Diann Rowland and one sister, Prudence Hetrick. Mary Janes Last word to all, "Love the Lord always, for he is our salvation."
Relatives and friends may greet the family on Friday, February 27, 2026 at the Schumacher & Benner Funeral Home & Crematory, 359 King Street, Pottstown from 10:30 until 11:00 am. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 am with Reverend Joshua Farr. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park, Pottstown.