WATERVILLE – Ethelyn L. Nixon passed away Feb. 21, 2006, with her family at her side after a long and courageous battle with inflammatory breast cancer. Ethelyn will forever be remembered for confronting the disease with grace, dignity and a never failing sense of humor and humility. Ethelyn was born April 22, 1935, in Waterville. She graduated from Waterville Senior High School in June of 1954. Following her graduation, Ethelyn worked at the C.F. Hathaway Shirt Company in Waterville until 1963. She resided in Dover, N.H. and Sommerville, S.C., before returning to Waterville in August of 1969. She proudly called Waterville home while raising a son who became a trial lawyer instead of a Latin teacher as she had hoped. She was predeceased by her mother, Ethel Burbank in 1984; and her father, Lynwood A. (Steve) Burbank in 1989. She is survived by her son, James S. Nixon; and her daughter-in-law, Tiffany A. Nixon along with her granddaughter, MacKenzie Ann Nixon, who brought her so much joy and her special grandson, Matthew J.I. Fischer of Indian Head, Md., whom she loved unconditionally. She is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth Jolicoeur of Waterville; her brother, David Burbank and his wife, Marlene Burbank, of Winslow, all of whom she loved very much and who were enormously helpful to her during her battle. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. The family wishes to extend its heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Andrew Hertler; Nurse Manager Debbie Bowden; and all of the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff in the Oncology Department and on Three North at Maine General Medical Center, Thayer Campus, whose skill, care and compassion provided Ethelyn and her family with great comfort during her final days. A reception celebrating Ethelyn’s life will be held 3-6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, at Steve’s Restaurant, Silver Street, Waterville. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Ethelyn’s memory to the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903. Arrangements are under the direction of Redington Funeral Home, 5 Park St., Waterville.
ETHELYN L. NIXON
