BELFAST — Maxine Bachelder Nickerson, 90, of Belfast peacefully passed to the other side in the wee hours of the morning on Nov. 15, 2019, surrounded by her family and the music she loved.

“Max” was born in Belfast on June 6, 1929 to John and Gladys Whitten Bachelder. Although she lived for a few years with her parents, she was primarily raised by the Whitten sisters, Laverne, Bertha and Alice, her mom’s cousins. While still in Crosby High School, Max saw a tall, handsome young man leaned up against the jukebox in Ray and Ola’s Soda Shoppe.

She and Raymond Nickerson were married on October 18, 1947 and made beautiful music together for 59 years.

Max worked for a time as a telephone operator in Belfast. She was an accomplished pianist, playing with “Nick” (on drums) countless times at dances, parties, and family gatherings. But Max’s primary job was managing the house and raising their family.

Always on the go, Max enjoyed golfing and curling, being a Lady Lion in the Belfast Lion’s Club, and supporting Nick’s work with the Anah Temple Shrine. In her older years, Max loved volunteering her time as a “Pink Lady” at Waldo County General Hospital, primarily working in the renal dialysis department.

Max was pre-deceased by her parents, the Whitten sisters, and her husband, Raymond. Also gone before her were siblings Raymond “Bud” Bachelder, Pearl Bachelder Braley, Phyllis Bachelder Littlefield, Bea Bachelder Flood, Ruth Bachelder Harper, and her beloved, life-long friend, Norma Dutch.

She is survived by her sister, Shirley Bachelder Fifield of Rumford, and her children: daughter, Kathryn Nickerson Bowman of Springfield, Virginia; son Michael (and Meg) Nickerson of Belfast, and son Steven (and Vicki) Nickerson of Belmont.

“Gabby” also leaves grandchildren Amanda (and Zak) Babcock of Thornton, NH, Caitlin (and Mark) Ray of Belfast, Jared Nickerson of Belfast, Tayler Nickerson of Rockland; and great-grandchildren Halle Ray, Natalie Babcock and Bennett Ray.

The Nickersons want to thank Lori Hemingway and the caregivers of The Residence and The Commons of Tall Pines, and Dr. Jim Delehanty for the loving care their mom received during the many years she battled dementia.

Services will be held on Sunday, Nov. 24, at 2 p.m., at Riposta Funeral Home, Belfast, followed by a celebration of life at the home of Mike and Meg Nickerson, 42 Fahy St, Belfast. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Max’s memory to Waldo County General Hospital Aid. 

Memories and condolences may be offered to the family at www.ripostafh.com