Dorothy Joan Nicholas (Smallman), 100, resident of The Village at Orchard Ridge, passed away Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Winchester Medical Center.

Ms. Nicholas was born in Batavia, NY, in 1926, daughter of the late Dr. Ralph Smallman and Kathryn (Goodwin) Smallman. Born into a family of physicians she made her mind up early to become a dentist. Ms. Nicholas earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1949 at University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Ms. Nicholas was one of two women in a class of about 100. She retired in 1954 to assume the role of mother and create a loving, comfortable home for her husband and children. Ms. Nicholas enjoyed playing bridge, dabbled in art, music, and sports. She was an avid golfer and earned her solo aviation license. Ms. Nicholas always approached life in a positive manner, which made life most enjoyable. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church for over 50 years.

Her husband, Richard Wallace Nicholas, whom she married on June 10, 1950, preceded her in death in 2014.

Surviving is a daughter, Kathryn J. Nicholas of Chicago, IL; sons, Dr. Richard W. Nicholas of Little Rock, AR and Robert W. Nicholas (Dana) of Callao, VA; grandchildren, Lauren Nicholas, Katherine Nicholas, Anne Taylor, Claire Nicholas, Mary Finley (Colin), and Mark Johnson; great grandchildren, Norah Finley, Roy Finley, Olivia Taylor, Emily Taylor, Julie Taylor, Theo Stevens, and Archie Stevens.

She was also preceded in death by a brother, Dr. Robert A. Smallman.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 2pm at First Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Loudoun Street, Winchester, VA with Reverend Evan Smith officiating. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dorothy’s memory to First Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Loudoun Street, Winchester, VA 22601.