Annette Phillips Nicolls

Dearest Nitty, It is with great sadness that we learn of your passing. An event that marks the end of a very happy period in our lives here in Burgundy. I missed you already when you, some years ago, had decided not to come back to Burgundy, but now I realize that it’s heartbreakingly definitive.
Dearest, that's how each letter you wrote to me started, dearest Els, and that beginning alone immediately overwhelmed me with a feeling of tenderness, friendship, and I also felt incredibly honoured.
Jean-Bernard and I met you for the first time 18 years ago, in a very Nitty way. We were having lunch on the terrace of a Burgundian restaurant, atop a hill with a beautiful view of the summer landscape. Next to us sat two gentlemen and a lady. Despite our limited knowledge of English accents, we understood that the two men were American and the lady was English. Suddenly, we heard that the topic of their conversation was Jean-Bernard, so we took the liberty of joining in, saying they were talking about us…
Since that moment, you have brightened up my life in Burgundy! You organized, that is, cooked, the most delicious lunches and dinners to which we were invited. The dinner guests, among them also the two American gentlemen on the restaurant terrace, Steve and Joe, were all, one after the other, of a high intellectual quality. The conversations flowed, and your great sense of humour, so witty, in my sense so British, contributed largely. You also invited us in your so tasteful and beautiful decorated house in Chitterne, where you guided us to old castle ruins and St. John’s commanderies. You taught me English words I didn’t know like coronation chicken (two years ago, I even wondered if the guests had that again for dinner) and bum heater… It was my first and only visit to England!
For me, you were what I imagined British aristocrats to be: a living example of an English lady, with the accent included and especially with that typical English spirit, that I adore, but maybe not everybody in France... I could see you fitting in perfectly in Upstairs-Downstairs or Downton Abbey.
I know that you served in the army that trained you to stand your ground when two villains had the bad idea to rob you on a Geneva trottoir, where you left them regretting their two fingers that you had jammed in your Porsche door. I was so proud of you! I know that you also were a nurse, that you had two sons, Mark and Piers, whom you always spoke of with great affection. Now that I read the adventures of your friends who left a post on this memory wall and who knew you much longer than I did, I have to laugh, despite the sad news of your passing, and I completely recognize you in those exploits and I also find out now that you never exaggerated your version of the stories. You were incredible!
We, Jean-Bernard and I, would also like to offer our condolences to Mark and Piers, and we stand with them, albeit from faraway Burgundy, in their grief.

Els (and Jean-Bernard)

Dearest Nitty, .....part of our lives, such a good friend to Peter and I for more years than I can remember. In Chitterne, in Burgundy, in Italy, a fixed star in our lives. Always fun, always ready for an adventure, generosity overflowing, our dearest friend.
Julia and Peter

I literally grew up with Nitty ..... I was about 4 or 5 years old and she was about 6 or 7 years older and she lived just around the corner from my parents in Torquay. Even with an age difference we always had fun together and she was never averse to climbing trees with me in our garden even in her school uniform. One memorable occasion was when she was left in charge of me by my parents who went out for the day. During that time she offered to make me a fizzy drink which I discovered to my cost and my parents horror was made from almost a whole tin of Andrews Liver Salts!!! I spent the next 24 hours living and sleeping in the toilet. Guess what....she went on to be a nurse!!
As I got older and Nitty was living in London and working at St Mary's Paddington, she once drove me from Torquay back to her flat where I joined in an amazing educational experience of attending one of her infamous parties along with the other nurses whom she shared with! I learnt a lot about life and other things and best to say no more!
When she married John at the Savoy Chapel it was my father who gave her away in the absence of her own father. A proud but tense time for my Dad as he had to curb Nitty's nerves and hunger pains prior to the ceremony. My father had to stop the chauffeured limo on the embankment in London on the way to the Chapel and buy her a hamburger from a stall along with tomato sauce etc which she devoured in her wedding dress in the back of the car whilst covered all over in paper serviettes to stop the drips!!!
She has always been part of my family and has attended numerous events and family birthdays throughout my life and we have in turn have been involved with major events in hers! Trips out to her beautiful home in France was the icing on the cake.
Nitty was always adventurous and full of energy for mad cap travel. She went out to sea in her younger days on what she thought was a tourist boat in the Med only to find that it was involved in the local swimming race which required a long swim back to the shore for her when they chucked over the side with the other contestants! She probably has broken most bones in her body over time (e.g. falling off the top of the Red Fort in India) and has been a lightening conductor for virtually every medical condition but has robustly sailed thru them all!
I am now 75 but have fond memories of my life around her at some time or another. I will miss her a lot but she is probably up to her old tricks in the after life and will be giggling her head off. Love you Nitty we will all miss you. xxx

For Nitty, life was one big adventure. There were no half-measures. And this attitude ignited everyone around her. Added to this was yet another element that made the experience of knowing her shine like a beacon in the sky. It was the belief she had in you as an individual. It was unshakeable. And there was no preliminary build-up to her feeling that way about you. It was instant.

Nitty and John were both of this nature. People you obviously knew and loved in other lives. John left this earth twenty five years ago, leaving Nitty as a great force. I was content knowing she was always there. Even after passing, she was there. A few hours after I heard the news, I dreamed that she was happily driving a truck. You might say: of course she was!" Nothing phased her.

I wish I could be there with all of you to celebrate her life, but my health prevents it and I can hear her saying "Fly al the way from California. Charles? That's crazy. Who needs 15 hours in a plane?" She was Ms. Practical on many occasions.

I send love to all.

Charles Rubin





This lets me know that we will reunite one day.

I am very saddened to hear of Nitty’s passing. I will always remember her fondly and especially her kindness and thoughtfulness regarding Fred’s illness. She was a huge help to both of us.
Rest in peace Nitty you were one of a kind

Dearest Mum,

There is no way to truly prepare for the moment when a mother leaves us. You knew that better than anyone. I still remember the morning you received the news of your own mother’s passing, when we were all sitting around the kitchen table at FH and that dreadful call came through.

I thought I was somewhat prepared for the inevitable, given the turn of events this summer. But the reality is shockingly different. The grief I carry now is beyond my control, it strikes without warning, and I’m still unsure when, or even if, these feelings will begin to ease.

I want to assure you that we will be okay. Your grandson is doing so well, and we talk about you often. My promise to you is to try to reflect your kindness and to show the same unconditional love you gave so freely throughout your life.

With all my love,

Mark

Ever the enthusiast; always positive. She has always been part of our Chitterne life, always so welcoming , always generous, always helpful. We shared many memories and laughs in France together and what a welcome break she offered us as on the numerous times we 'water stopped' in Burgundy to enjoy her enthusiasm, warm hospitality and guidance to CLuny and her favorite restaurants.
We will always remember her lovely infectious laugh and will miss her very much. Michael & Odile

Dearest Nitty was one of the most remarkable persons I’ve ever known, and she enriched my and my beloved Joe’s life so infinitely since we met, at Roz and John’, in Burgundy two decades ago. Our love for her never wavered, and we had so many adventures together — in her beautiful Chitterne, in London,, her visits to us in Trenton NJ, our trips to Greece and Romania. Whenever I found myself doubtful of myself, or needing “buck it up and be strong” advice, she was there for help. As with so many, we have lost one of the best ever. She made her house and garden at Les Rebas, twenty minute from us, so beautiful and welcoming. When she called to suggest “Come over for a light supper,” it ended up a feast for a dozen, and such fun. May she be busy now teaching the saints in heaven how to make a perfect Coronation Chicken. I truly loved her.

Dearest Nitty you have left a million wonderful memories behind.
Sitting up until 4 am chatting and drinking bubbles in the Loire, going up the Empire State Building in New York, driving in a jeep around Tenerife trying to find her late step father's last resting place, in a hot air balloon over the Nile, lunch by the beach in Spain, wandering around Stourheads Christmas lights and so, so, many lunches & dinners in Chitterne and Burgundy.
Although you may no longer be with us your laughter and our memories of you will carry on until the last of us are no longer here also.
May your onward journey be filled with laughter and lots and lots of bubbles !!

My condolences to the family for the loss of such a remarkable woman. I met Nitty in Burgundy and always enjoyed her company, tales, laughter, dinners (including her fabulous Coronation Chicken) and jaunts around the country side. I also would see her when she visited her dear friends Joe & Steve in Trenton. She holds a special place in my heart that I’ll never forget. May she rest in peace.

Dear Mark and Piers
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your wonderful mother. Nitty was adored by all our family and is very much missed. You are both in our thoughts. She gave so generously of herself in every way, with a stellar career and stellar friends and family, she was a luminous light in all our hearts. I know how much she cared about you both. Sending you love.

I was so fond of Nitti who I met through mutual friends. I will miss her friendship and her fun.

I had the absolute pleasure of caring and looking after Annette on Farley ward, not that she really needed it ! , Being ex army
myself we hit off straight away. What a
truly amazing lady !. I was heartbroken to hear she had past and I send all my love and condolences to her family and freinds

I had only known Nitty a very short time. During that time we bonded as we are both ex QAs. What struck me about her is I felt she oozed kindness. Always inquisitive and thoughtful despite all she was going through and with a cheeky glint in her eye. And considering I met her at a real low point for her this speaks volumes. She really made quite the impression. The extended QA family send their deepest condolences and I look forward to coming along to give mine. Rest in Peace Ma'am. Sub Cruce Candida.