Nicole M Townsend

We are saddened to announce the passing of our grandmother, Nicole Marcelle Cécile Townsend, affectionately known as “Memaw”, of Callaway, FL. Nicole passed away peacefully, May 26, 2023 at the age of 90, with her family by her side. Nicole was born in Paris, France to Robert Borel and Cécile Chatton on April 23, 1933. Nicole was proud to be a true Parisian.  She met her husband, Lawrence, in Dreux, France while he was serving in the United States Air Force. The two shared a passion for dancing and French cuisine and instantly fell in love.  After marrying, they moved to the United States and Nicole became a dual citizen of both France and the United States. Once stationed in Reno, Nevada, Nicole and Lawrence decided to start a family. In 1961 they welcomed their son, Laurent. Nicole was a proud mother and military spouse. The three of them traveled all over the world. Her favorite place from all of her travels was Panama City, FL. After her husband retired from the USAF, they settled down in Panama City. Nicole made the small community of Callaway her home for many years. She was a devout Catholic and a longtime member of St. Dominic Catholic Church. She was a regular at Old Mexico and Po Folks. Some of her favorite things were enjoying a good Mariachi band, dancing, and cracking jokes. She will be remembered as a lively and energetic little firecracker.  

Nicole is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Borel and Cécile Chatton; her husband, Lawrence Townsend; and her beloved son, Laurent Auguste Townsend. Left behind to honor her memory is her daughter-in-law, Dona Townsend of Panama City; her grandchildren, Alisha Townsend Hall (Brent), Brett Townsend (Amanda), and Christopher Townsend (Kristen), of Panama City; her great-grandchildren, Mason, Abby, Isaac, Luke, Caroline, Lauren, and Wyatt. She is also survived by her loving cat Minete, and her Brookdale Senior Living Family. 

The family would like to extend their gratitude to both Covenant Care and to the Brookdale Senior Living Community. A special thanks to her Covenant Hospice aide Melissa and her Covenant volunteers Carol and Henry.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 31, at 11:00 am at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church,1003 N. East Ave, Panama City, FL with by Father Anthony Nguyen officiating. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service. Interment will be held following the Mass in Forest- Lawn Memorial Cemetery.

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