Mrs. Judy Elaine (Nicholas) LaChance, 72, of Utica, passed away on Monday, February 27, 2017 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica. Judy was born in Utica on April 24, 1944 the daughter of Floyd and Meythl (Savage) Scheidelman. She was raised and educated in Utica and earned her associates degree from Mohawk Valley Community College. On September 22, 1969, Judy married Daniel Russell Nicholas. Mr. Nicholas died in 1993. At one time, she was employed with Utica Psychiatric Center and ARC and most recently as an administrator with the former Park Rest Nursing Home in Utica until her retirement in 1998. Judy was raised in the Lutheran faith but chose to raise her own children in the Catholic religion. She enjoyed fishing, crocheting, cooking, camping, especially at her friend Pat Testa's camp at Sylvan Beach and traveling with her dear friends, Alice Nestcot, Mary McGraw and Pat Testa. Judy dedicated her life to caring for people especially her family who were the joy of her life. Mrs. LaChance is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, April and John Olsen of Deerfield; three sons and one daughters-in-law, Brett Wheeler of Utica, Jody Nicholas and Gina Montana of Forestport and Daniel and Jamie-Lee Nicholas of S. Utica; 13 cherished grandchildren, Danny, Skyler, Kimberly, Barbie, Johnny, Latasha, Haylie, Rachel, Charity, Isaac, Elisha, Michael and his wife Amanda and Victor; three sisters, Gale Hill Scheidelman of Washington Mills, Erma Roy of FL and Patricia Gray of Maine; one brother, Michael Murray of Utica as well as several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Roger Baye, and three sisters, Ruth Sanders, Rose Scheidelman and Mary Lou Bushley. A memorial service to celebrate Judy's life will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica. Her burial will be held at the convenience of her family. Calling hours for family and friends are Saturday from 11:00-1:00 prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Kelberman Center for Autism, 2608 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13502 or the American Cancer Society 110 Lomond Ct., Utica, NY 13502 in Judy's memory. Mrs. LaChance's family extends their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Atul Butala for the many years of care you provided to Judy.