Longtime volunteer and UVM employee was a devoted mother, above all else
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 Saturday, March 8, 2 to 4 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…
Longtime volunteer and UVM employee was a devoted mother, above all else
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 Saturday, March 8, 2 to 4 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…