Marie-Louise (Mal) Nickerson, age 75, passed away peacefully February 25, 2021 at Craneville Place of Dalton, MA with her daughters by her side. She was born April 19, 1945, the eldest daughter of Judges Marie-Louise (Steiner) Nickerson and Eugene Hoffman Nickerson of Long Island NY.
Mom graduated from Bryn Mawr College and then earned her Masters and Doctorate at Columbia University where she met her future husband Dr. David Matthew. A tenured professor of English for over 35 years at Bronx Community College, Mom’s textbooks, students’ achievements, and professionalism guided her life. While living and working in New York City, Mom spent as much time as she could at her beloved home in Hinsdale, MA.
Our mother was a woman of many talents and interests. She had a lifelong passion for tennis and her lefty double back-hand was formidable! She made beautiful quilts for many friends, family, and charities. Tennis, quilting, ice skating, gardening, tutoring and the community at Saint Andrews and the Holy Communion filled her retirement. Her children, Elizabeth Matthew Oakes of Washington, MA and Sayre Matthew of College Park, MD are testaments to Mal’s determination, persistence, and altruism. Mom moved to New Jersey with her partner Dr. Richard Randall in 1994 and then to the Berkshires in 2017.
Mom’s grandchildren, Sara-Louise Oakes, Matthew Oakes, Gene Williams, and Ellis Williams were her pride and joy.
Mal was predeceased by her parents and sister Stephanie Nickerson and much loved by her remaining sisters Lawrie Nickerson of Hoosick Falls, NY and Susan Nickerson Palmarin of Venice, Italy.
Mal’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the caregivers at Home Instead and the staff at Craneville Place for enriching Mom’s life and keeping her comfortable.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers a donation of time, talent, and or money be made to your local community in Mal’s honor.