Michaeline “Binka” Nicol, age 69, of Eastsound, Wash., passed away suddenly on Friday, Dec. 13, 2013 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bellingham, Wash.

She was born to Raymond and Statia (Doraz) Brogi on Feb. 8, 1944 in Fall River, Mass. She worked for many years at Sylvania alongside her mother.

Binka had two children, Mandy and Janis, before moving to Orcas Island, Wash. in 1983. Once on Orcas she worked at La Famiglia Ristorante owned by her brother and sister-in-law, Raymond and Patty Brogi. She also worked at the Lower Tavern as a bartender and was especially well known for her excellent cooking.

In 1985 she met and eventually married James Nicol. They have been married for 23 years and spent 15 of those years as caretakers of property in West Sound. Binka was an animal lover and was a strong supporter of the Orcas off leash dog park. She could often be found there tossing the ball for her dog, Cooper, and making many new friends.

After retiring, Binka focused on her candy making that had been passed down to her by her mother. Many of her friends have wonderful lasting memories of buying her toffee at holiday bazaars and experiencing her contagious smiles and laughter.

Binka is survived by her husband, James Nicol; two daughters, Mandy Nigretto of Eastsound and Janis Dufresne of Marysville, Wash.; a stepdaughter, Carol Pierce, of Wenatchee, Wash.; a stepson, Tim Nicol of Republic, Wash.; her many grandchildren, Alexa, Tyler, Isabella, Asacia, Aiden, Brianna, Cody, Conner, Aliandra, and Ryan; and her three brothers, Raymond, Peter and John Brogi.

A Memorial Service for Binka will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Eastsound Off-Leash Dog Park, P.O. Box 764, Eastsound, WA 98245.

Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, Wash. and the San Juan Islands. To share memories of Binka, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.