Nancy B. Dickinson

BIDDEFORD – Nancy B. Dickinson, 104 years of age, went home to the Lord on July 21, 2025, at Southridge Rehabilitation and Living Center in Biddeford, just 26 days shy of her 105th birthday.

She was born on Aug. 16, 1920, in Seattle, Wash., the daughter of Luther and Ellen Grace (Holden) Ballou, and eventually the stepdaughter of Elsie, whom she adored.

She suffered more than her share of loss, as her mother passed away when Nancy was just 4 years of age and she and her two brothers were shuffled around from relatives to foster homes until her father remarried five years later.

After moving to Maine as a young girl, she attended school in Carmel and then married Charles “Red” Dickinson. They were married for 44 years before Charles passed away in 1981. Together, they suffered the loss of two infants and two devastating fires. However, they were resilient, always finding their way forward. Charles was resourceful and started two businesses in Scarborough: a pig farm and Scarboro Auto Parts, which was taken over by their two sons, Charles, Jr. and John. In 1968, her husband designed and built them a new home and after only living in the home one day, Charles suffered his first heart attack.

After raising her family and the loss of her beloved husband, Charles, she found comfort and meaning in the simple joys of life: the bloom of a new flower, the rustle of leaves in the breeze, and the companionship of animals, especially the many cats who found their way to her door and into her heart, where they were adored, pampered, and deeply loved. Nancy lived independently for 33 years through widowhood with grace, quiet strength, and resilience, before entering assisted living for her remaining 10 years.

Nancy was a devout Christian for most of her life and tried to keep a good attitude through all of life’s challenges. A sweet tribute to her came from one of the nurses at Southridge, “We love your mother. She teaches us that happiness is a choice.” She was known for her gentle spirit, her kind heart, and the way she could make both people and animals feel safe and cherished. Her warmth and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Nancy’s memory will live on in the birdsong at dawn and in every contented purr.

Nancy was predeceased by her husband, Charles, Sr. (62); daughter Rita Weimer (83) who passed away in 2023; and two grandsons, George Weimer III (43) and Scott Dickinson (40).

She is survived by a daughter, Dolly, of California, two sons, Charles, Jr. and wife Patty, John and wife Tammy, all of Scarborough; nine grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

Her family wishes to gratefully acknowledge the loving care she received at Southridge.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Westbrook Chapel of Dolby, Blais & Segee, 35 Church Street, Westbrook, followed by a brief service.

Interment will be held afterward at Black Point Cemetery in Scarborough.

To express condolences please visit http://www.DolbyBlaisSegee.com

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland.