Nicole H. Welch (Lestienne)

Nicole met and married the love of her life, Richard Welch, when he served in the US Army in France. After immigrating to the US, in 1962, to marry him, they enjoyed a life together hiking, traveling and camping. She worked in a bank and travel agency in France and as a cashier for Zurich Insurance in Baltimore, until her retirement.

She loved to be with friends and family. She adored the outdoors and flowers of spring, writing, poetry, eating good food (hot dogs qualified to her), enjoying fine wine, watching 24 hours of LeMans, the Tour de France and comedic movies and her cat, Bouchon.

She was the essence of “joie de vivre“and will be missed by those of us left behind.

She is survived by her daughter and son in law Danielle Welch-Blair, M.D. and Mark Blair of Kingsville; brother Michel Lestienne of Chamalieres, France; sister Monique Main of Paris, France. Also by niece Janet Barritt of Zanesville, Ohio, niece Paula Rodrigeuz and nephews Jay Stein and Philip Lestienne; friends Halyna Paikoush, Anilda Cabrera, M.D. and Mary Clare Maclay.

She was predeceased by her husband Richard Welch of Baltimore, MD, parents Aline and Leon Lestienne of Tours, France, brother Jean Lestienne of LaRochelle, France; sisters-in-law Wilma (Welch) Danie and Virginia (Welch) Stein; nephews Jerome Main, Pierre Lestienne and Gary Stein; niece Sherry Barritt.

A celebration of her life will be held in her favorite season, Spring 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.