Kathryn L. Nickerson, 87
Kathryn L. Nickerson, our Mother, Kay Kay (Grandma), aunt and friend, 87, was called Home by her Heavenly Father on Oct. 19, 2011. Surely she is again dancing with Ed (Papa Bear), her husband of 57 years, and Heaven's orchestra outshines the Big Band Era.
Born Sept. 9, 1924, in Leominister, Mass., to Clark and Bessie (Wass) Rearden, Kay was bathed there in Wass family love as well as Rearden family love along the St. Lawrence River (N.Y.).
She graduated from Leominister High School in 1942 and married Edwin E. Nickerson that July. World War II separated them almost immediately, but Kay was able to join Eddie in December 1945 at Ft. Richardson after his Aleutian Island stint, flying to Anchorage in a cargo plane.
Back in the states, they welcomed their first child in November 1946 born in Worcester, Mass. Just one month later they moved to Virginia where Ed was a civil servant at Ft. Monroe on the Chesapeake Bay. Mom gave new meaning to human resources director as wife to Ed and mother to six by 1961. Not only active at Warwick Congregational Church but also PTO President, homeroom mother, scout leader, music lesson overseer, favorite fan at all sporting events (especially basketball), AKC beagler, children's chore director of a small farm and huge vegetable gardens, and chief canner.
In addition, she made time for her passions including dancing with Dad, politics, knitting, reading, writing, piano, birds inside and out, baking sweet treats and playing Scat with us all. Factor in that this living was done in a one-bathroom home with only one car until the late '60s and NO TV until 1965!
Looking back, it was no surprise early retirement was elected! After 29 years in Virginia, Kay and Ed moved to Coeur d'Alene, mostly because brother John Rearden and his two tots lived in this pristine locality. Now at age 51 with two teenagers at home, Kay again cheered at basketball action at Coeur d'Alene High School games and for the Boston Celtics and of course the Zags!
Fishing with John, picnicking with the extended family, boating and traveling with Ed to visit loved ones were highlights eclipsed only by the arrival of grandchildren who adored her. Her love of her Lord and her family reigned supreme as she stayed active in Christian Women's Club, Bible studies, KMC Pink Ladies' Auxiliary and Hayden Grandmother's Club. In the last seven years Kay Kay (nicknamed by her firstborn grandchild) was uplifted by the joyful energy of four great-grandchildren.
With the compassionate support of Hospice for 15 months, our family team led by Jenn and baby Paige, and help from fabulous neighbors, Kay lived out her days at home in Hayden. God bless each and all!
Our mother was preceded in death by Dad (her husband Ed) in 2001; their newborn son, Storm, in 1954 and her brother, John Rearden in 2010.
She is survived by children: Peter of Florida, Pam of Vermont, Clark (Barb) and Tyree of Virginia, Susan (Randy) and Jon (Carmelita) of Post Falls; grandchildren: Levi (Katie), Jamison (Isaac), Jennifer (Isaac) and Jackie - all of Kootenai County, Jesse and Travis of Vermont, Jonathan and Wendy (Jason) of Florida, and Anna (Steven) of Post Falls; and great-grandchildren: Kaysha, Makai, Kailey, Paige and two yet born - all of Kootenai County, Jackson of Florida and Calvin, Stephanie and Steven of Post Falls; niece Lisa; nephews Michael and Mark and all their families, and many more; and dear Al and Elaine.
Kay was a woman of grace with a message of hope who held conservative values and loved liberally.
Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of her life and Homegoing at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011, at Hayden Friends Church (corner of Miles and Highway 95) with beloved friend Pastor Stan Perisho officiating.
Five generations of Kay's family have been blessed by Hayden Friends Church and its two schools. Any memorial contributions can be sent to W. 251 Miles Ave., Hayden, ID 83835.
Please visit Kay's memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.