SOUTH PORTLAND – Jean E. Nitschke, 86, most recently of South Portland, passed on to her next adventure Tuesday morning, April 5, 2011. She was born June 22, 1924, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., to Joseph B. Viele and Katherine Shaver.
After high school and with World War II in full swing, she went to work for General Electric Co. and later ALCO, Schenectady, N.Y. There she met a handsome World War II veteran, Rodmond “Rod” Nitschke. They were married Jan. 19, 1947, and made their home in Colonie, N.Y., for more than 57 years. Jean loved adventure and travel and after their retirement, she and Rod took many trips around the country and the world. Even after Rod’s health prevented him from further travels, he encouraged her to follow her adventurous spirit. Italy, Iceland and China were among her destinations, and she was proud to say she had walked on the Great Wall of China. In her “spare” time, she made more than 120 afghans for Project Linus and H.U.G.S. These organizations provide blankets and afghans to children in medical or emotional crisis. Her other loves included, but were not limited to, flowers, painting, cooking and following the exploits of her grandson, Ben, who shares her love of travel.
She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Joseph B. Viele Jr.; and her husband, Rod. She is survived by daughter, Kathy J. Nitschke of Greenbush and her partner, Robert Weeks; daughter, Beth A. Nitschke of Hiram; her “bonus” daughter, Lisa Darcy of Hiram; and her grandson, M. Benjamin Hale and his wife, Samantha Lott Hale, of Orono.
Funeral services will be noon Monday at New Comer-Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Albany, N.Y., where an hour of visitation will precede the service 11 a.m.-noon. Burial will be at Greenridge Cemetery, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider South Portland Nursing Home activities fund, 42 Anthoine St., South Portland, ME 04106 or Project Linus, National Headquarters, P.O. Box 5621, Bloomington, IL 61702-5621. To leave a special message for the family online, visit
www.NewcomerAlbany.com.