We
are saddened to announce the passing of Dottie on Friday, February 7,
2025. She was born on August 8, 1927, in Lowell, Mass., the daughter
of the late Raymond H. and Nettie B. Bennett. She graduated from
Lowell High School and Westbrook College in Portland, Maine. She
worked for many years at the University of Vermont in the registrar’s
office, retiring in 1986.
Dottie
shared a lifetime of love with her sweetheart and devoted husband,
Howard “Nick” Nickerson. They were married on April 17, 1949, and
enjoyed 69 years filled with love, laughter and devotion. Above all,
she was a devoted mother. She loved her children fiercely and was
their biggest cheerleader. She had a way of making each of them feel
special, always knowing just what to say to bring comfort,
encouragement or laughter. Dottie adored her grandchildren, Kristin,
Eric, Scott and Paul. She also enjoyed her great-grandchildren,
Brianne, Sawyer and Jordan.
She
attended St. James Episcopal Church, where she was a member of the
Women’s Group. She volunteered for many years at the Green Mountain
Nursing Home, Meals on Wheels and other groups for RSVP.
After
retiring, she and her husband, Nick, traveled cross-country three
times, visiting places of interest before settling down and spending
winters in Vero Beach, Fla. Dottie and Nick were often seen gliding
across the dance floor, gazing into each other’s eyes. When not
dancing, they could be found with friends enjoying a great game of
bowling. She also could be found reading, gardening, doing sudokus
and enjoying a spirited game of rummy.
She
was predeceased by her husband of 69 years, Howard “Nick”
Nickerson; her parents, Raymond and Nettie Bennett; her brother,
Coolidge; her sister, Barbara; and many nieces and nephews. She is
survived by her daughter, Donna Gallas (Michael); her son, Stephen
Nickerson (Debra); grandchildren, Kristin Gallas (Darryl Robinson),
Eric Gallas (Jessica), Scott Nickerson and Paul Nickerson (Mindy);
and great-grandchildren, Brianne, Sawyer and Jordan.
The
family would like to thank Maple Ridge Lodge and BAYADA Hospice for
the excellent care given to our mother.
Calling
hours will be held on Sunday, February 16, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Ready
Funeral Home Mountain View Chapel, 68 Pinecrest Dr., Essex Junction,
VT. A memorial service celebrating Dottie’s life will immediately
follow. Inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of
flowers, contributions may be made to BAYADA Hospice, 463 Mountain
View Dr., Colchester, VT 05446.
Arrangements
are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services. To share
online condolences, please visit readyfuneral.com.