COPE, MEGAN ELIZABETH (NICHOLS) age 51, of San Jacinto, Ca., died in the comfort of her home on Thurs., April 21, 2005, after a courageous battle with cancer. A true advocate for education and the children of her community, Megan devoted most of her time helping others. Megan served as a member and past president of the San Jacinto Unified School District Board of Trustees for the past 9 years. She was a member of the Riverside County School Board Association and a delegate to the California School Board Association. Megan proudly served as a Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and an active member of the San Jacinto Assembly of God Church. In 2004, she and her husband Ken were nominated by the San Jacinto Police Activities League and awarded Volunteer of the Year in recognition of their passionate love and dedication in teaching at the PAL Karate Club. On May 17, 2005, Megan will also be inducted into the Riverside County Education Hall of Fame. Megan is survived by her husband, Ken, of 26 years, and loving children, Emily of San Jacinto and Curtis of Flagstaff, AZ. God also blessed her with her first grandson, Charlie Shae Carrillo. She is the daughter of Nettie Nichols of Hemet and daughter-in-law of Ann and Joe Michaels of Las Vegas. She is also survived by brothers, Keith Nichols of Crawford, CO., James Nichols of Annapolis, MD., Thomas Allen of Big Bear Lake, and John Nichols of Hemet; sisters, Kathi Connally of Ojai, CA. and Jane LeCroy of Ventura; brothers-in-law, Pat Bennett, Tim Bennett, Steve Bennett, and Chris Cope. Megan will be deeply missed by her extended family, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Capt. Keith G. Nichols, USN and brother-in-law, Don Cope. A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be held on Wed., April 27, at 7pm at The San Jacinto Assembly of God Church, 300 West 1st Street (Ramona Blvd.). Visitation will be on Tues., April 26 from 4-7pm at the Miller-Jones Chapel at 165 W. 7th St., San Jacinto. Graveside Service will be at Riverside National Cemetery on Thurs., April 28 at 10:45am, 22495 Van Buren Blvd. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Megan Cope Scholarship Fund for the Arts at San Jacinto Unified School District, 2045 S. San Jacinto Ave., 92582 or the the San Jacinto Police Activities League, P.O. Box 681, San Jacinto. 92583 Arrangements are being handled by: MILLER JONES MORTUARY San Jacinto, CA. www.miller-jones.com Published in the Press-Enterprise on 4/26/2005.