Lucille Nickerson

Lucille Nickerson passed away on January 31, 2018 after a brief stay at the Baptist Home at Brookmeade in Rhinbeck, N.Y. while convalescing after a brief illness.

She was born on April 3, 1923 in New Haven, CT the daughter of the late Ralph and Mary (Nutile) DeFalco. On august 28, 1954 Lu married Harold, the love of her life and fellow artist, whom she met at the beach while vacationing on Cape Cod.

She is survived by her step-son Harold L. Nickerson, Jr. of Lowell, MA and step-grandchildren Robert, Jessica, Richard, and Catherine. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Mary Ann DeFalco of St. Charles, IL, sister-in-law Mary Laird of Chatham, MA, brother-in-law Gordon Nickerson of Costa Rica, several nieces and nephews, as well as several grand nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Ralph DeFalco.

Lu spent her youth in North Haven with her nurturing DeFalco/Nutile family graduating from Lynman Hall Hugh School and Horace Wilcox Technical School. She went on to study painting and art in N.Y.C. To support herself, she worked as a draftsman and layout artist until, with Harold, owned and operated Projection Audio Production and Service in Manhattan. In 1968 they bought a burned out house in Clinton to fix up as a weekend home. It was her great escape and retirement home where she enjoyed painting, gardening, raising cats and living next door to her best friend Irene Breiner.

At 55 Lu went back to school and in 1981 got her nursing degree. Her new career took her to the Baptist Home in Rhinebeck, N.Y. where she worked with some special people who remained close to her until her death.

A memorial service, at Lu’s request, will take place at the Pleasant Plains Presbyterian Church, Hollow Rd., Staatsburg, N.Y. at 11:00 Sat. April 7., the Rev. Luanne Panarotti officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in Chatham, MA. A luncheon will directly follow the service.

It is Lu’s wish to thank friends, neighbors, social workers and caretakers for the many years of support and friendship, for without their efforts and love she would not have been able to remain in her home; but it was indeed Lu’s fun, engaging and loving personality that brought forth all the assistance.

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