Isabel Louise (Smith) Nickerson

Isabel Louise (Smith) Nickerson passed away peacefully in her sleep, at home after a brief illness.

Daughter of the late James Smith and Matilda McCleod and wife of the late Paul D. Nickerson.

Isabel had five children Robert P. Nickerson and his wife Janet of Medfield, Ronald S. Nickerson of North Andover, Beth M. O’Brien of Newburyport, and Jennifer H. Phillips of Florida. Her son Richard A. Nickerson predeceased her. She was most proud of three Grandchildren that she loved and were an important part of her life and theirs. Patrick and his wife Andrea, Daniel, and Kathryn all knew her as “Nana”. This past year Isabel greeted into the world her Great Grand Daughter Liberty who she loved.

Isabel attended Needham High School and attended Boston Secretarial School upon graduation. She married her High School sweetheart Paul D. Nickerson and started a life together raising a family, never leaving Needham; a place she loved.

Isabel and Paul had a wonderful marriage filled with joys, heartaches and a deep love for each other. In her early 50’s, Paul died leaving her to raise two young girls on her own. Isabel worked nights at BayBank for over 25 years in the data collection department.

Isabel was a faithful member of Christ Church Needham where she worshipped for over 70 years. She was involved in several committees over the years, Chairperson of many of them. Her true passion was Outreach which included, Pastoral Response Ministry, B-Safe Summer Youth Program, and Shelter cooking.  Many, many people over the years have been touched by her meals, rides to doctor’s appointments, calls, notes, greeting cards, and visits. It was her life’s work, her calling, and her presence and leadership will be missed.

Isabel was known for her sense of humor, her quick wit, and her ability to break down seemingly complex problems with a simple solution. Those solutions often included bringing a meal to someone in need. She enjoyed her parish friends at Prayer Group and Bible Study. If there was a need in the Parish, “call Isabel” was a familiar refrain from each Priest over the past four decades. People knew when she called to enlist support for a cause, there was an unmet need and her parish family responded.

Visiting hours will be in the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Ave, Needham, on Tuesday, August 6th from 4-7 pm.   Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. A Funeral Service will be held at Christ Church, 1132 Highland Ave, Needham, on Wednesday, August 7th at 10am.

In Lieu of flowers, donations in Isabel’s memory can be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Isabel L. Nickerson to support cancer research and patient care at: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift.

“Preach the Gospel always, when necessary use words”.

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