Gail S Nickerson

Gail Nickerson was born February 21, 1937 to Bertel Johanes Soderman and Vivian Taylor Soderman in Astoria, Oregon.   Gail passed away peacefully on September 22, 2022 in Seattle, WA, surrounded by all four children and her oldest granddaughter.  All feel blessed to have been present.  

Gail represented the community of Astoria Oregon as Miss Astoria in the 1950s, and was the “O” in Astoria for her cheer team in high school.  After high school, Gail attended the University of Oregon and became a teacher of languages, particularly French.  She then worked for Mutual Materials for over 20 years, and after retirement, served at the Bellevue Community Center for many years.  

Gail dedicated herself to her community, her beloved husband of 25 years, Robert Nickerson, and her family: four children, nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.  

From the age of 13, she was involved with the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.  She carried this forward throughout a 50+ year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, serving three terms as Worthy Matron, for Lakeside Chapter #202.  Through Eastern Star she practiced her faith, and positively impacted our world through many charitable campaigns. As a family matriarch, she provided her unending  love and support to her children and grandchildren, and also to many friends. 

Gail was a charismatic homebody. She was an avid reader, sudoku solver, crossword puzzler, and a snappy dresser, always donning the perfect shoes and accessories for each outing or occasion.  She never missed a family or friend’s birthday, often sending handwritten cards that contained puzzles for the recipient to solve. She was delightful company, bright, humorous, and intellectual.  

Gail is preceded in death by her husband Robert Nickerson, her parents Bert and Vivian, and her brother, Denis Soderman.  Gail is survived by her children, Wendy Gaither, Joel Gaither (Michelle), Tia Gaither, and Patrick Gaither (Marnie), along with her brother Paul Soderman (Amy), nine grandchildren, (Kohl, Johona, Sarah, Tyler, Ryan, Kyler, Chase, Teagan, Vivian), seven amazing and adoring great-grandchildren, and her cat Sauvi (short for Sauvignon).  

A memorial gathering will be held in Astoria, Oregon, in July 2023.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gail’s name to a hospice provider, or another charity you know Gail felt passionate about. 

Please share memories, photos & condolences on the Tribute Wall, located above.

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services - West Seattle

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