Obituary of Sandra Celia Nichols

Sandra Celia Nichols, Swanville, Maine-- Sandra Celia (Walker) Nichols, 82, went to be with the Lord June 6, 2019, after a short stay at the Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn, Maine. She was born in Searsmont, Maine March 6, 1937, to Elmer and Arlene (Roberts) Walker. Sandra grew up in a large family with many aunts, uncles, and cousins and always enjoyed family time; she spoke fondly of her childhood memories. Sandra attended local schools until 9th grade. She married Hillis Wayne Nichols in 1957, and started her own family. Sandra spent many years as a stay at home Mom, raising 7 children. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother & great Grandmother; in her own words “I gave birth to 7 wonderful children; they are my pride and joy. Now I have wonderful grandchildren and great grandchildren. I love you all so much.” Sandra enjoyed every holiday and any gathering throughout the year especially when it included her family. She spent as much time as possible with them including extended stays at their homes. She enjoyed camping, nature, and living things such as her many houseplants, her outdoor flower garden, and she loved bird watching. Sandra enjoyed reading her Bible, spending quiet time with the Lord, and joining her fellowship family for services at Swanville Community Church where she was a member for many years. She was soft spoken and very gentle; she loved everyone and forgave easily. She loved having company, just being around people made her extremely happy. She always put everyone else first. Sandra is survived by 5 of her children, daughter Debbie Maddocks and husband Norman of Turner, Arlene Russo and husband Albert of Albion, Nancy Larrabee and husband Charles of Searsport, her son Wayne Nichols of Richmond, daughter Lesley Day and husband Michael of Mechanic Falls, and son-in-law George Bowen of Livermore Falls, 19 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, her brother Larry Walker and wife Donna of Swanville, a family friend David Violette of Monroe, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Sandra is predeceased by her husband Hillis (Nick) Nichols, her parents Elmer and Arlene Walker, her sister Carol Andreas, her two daughters Daisy Bowen and Karen DeMerchant, her son-in-law Blair DeMerchant, and many other family and life-long friends. Relatives and friends may call on the family Wednesday evening, June 12, from 5-7 pm at Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 13 at 1 pm at the Swanville Community Church, with the Reverend James Knox. Interment will be immediately following in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Swanville. Memories and condolences may be shared at ripostafh.com.