Irene Nickerson of Jamaica Plain, MA and Sebago Lake, ME, age 94, passed away February 10, 2025 at The Cordwainer Assisted Living, surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of 72 years to the late Hilbert Nickerson. Loving and devoted mother of Christine Norton of Milton MA, Stephen and his wife Marie Nickerson of Salem MA, Marie and her husband Jeff Cutting of Sebago ME. The role of Nana was one that Irene cherished deeply. Her grandchildren, Matthew Norton and his wife Katie, Molly Norton, Daniel Norton and his wife Jamie, Lauren Nickerson-Upfold and her husband William, Michael Nickerson and his wife Christine, Sarah Mitchell and her husband Dane, Hannah Cutting, and Kate Lloyd and her husband Brady, were the light of her life. The joy continued with the arrival of her great-grandchildren: Olivia Norton, Joseph Norton, Cooper Upfold, Everett Upfold, Emma Nickerson, Henry Nickerson, and Millie Mitchell. Her cousin, Mary Kay Brady of Hingham MA, also held a special place in her heart.

After raising her family, Irene went on to care for others as a homemaker with the Catholic Charities, followed by a 20 year career as a Lab Assistant at the Harvard School of Public Health, retiring at the age of 72.

Her love for her family was displayed in the simplest of gestures; she never missed an opportunity to send cards to family and friends on special occasions, ensuring that everyone felt remembered and cherished. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She attended sporting events, recitals, plays, graduations, birthdays, and weddings. FaceTime visits with Nana occurred frequently when in-person visits weren’t feasible. Her fondness for family gatherings was evident, and she treasured every moment spent at the cottage on Sebago Lake.

Irene greatly enjoyed participating in the various activities offered at The Cordwainer Assisted Living, where the staff became an extension of her family, providing her with care and comfort in her final years. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of The Cordwainer and Sunset Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

Irene was a woman of strong faith, whose love, kindness and thoughtfulness touched the lives of all who knew her. Irene’s memory will be cherished and celebrated by her family, who will continue to honor her legacy by living out the values she instilled in them.

Relatives and friends are respectively invited to join us in celebrating the life of our beloved family matriarch.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Irene's memory to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s Association.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary of the Hills Church in Milton on Saturday February 15 at 10:00am. Visiting hours will precede the Mass from 8:30-9:30am at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home 326 Granite Ave Milton. Burial to follow at Blue Hill Cemetery.