Rita S. Nichols

Rita Simmone [Ferland] Nichols, passed away unexpectedly, on July 18, 2026, at the age of 90.

Her parents, Pauline and Joseph Ferland, immigrated from Canada and settled in Sanford, Maine.

Rita had many siblings, who predeceased her: Francis Greene, Lillian Charette, Rene Ferland, Lucien(‘Pep’) Ferland, Raymond Ferland, Magella Cyr, and Maurice Ferland.

She attended Sanford Schools, graduating in 1955. Shortly after, she met and married the love of her life, Kenneth Raymond Nichols, who predeceased her.

Together they started raising a family, having 5 children: Catherine, Stephen, Gary, Brenda and Alan, who predeceased her.

Rita was a very proud Grandmother of 8: Dr. Christoper Sevigny, Alden Chaisson, Jimmie Chaisson, Alexandra Nichols (Alley), Morgan Nichols, Jenna (Nichols) Richmond, Cody Nichols, Alan Nichols, Jr., and Great Grandmother of two, Zooey Sevigny and Levi Nichols. Step-Grandchildren Travis Chaisson and Corey Chaisson.

Rita & Ken were very proud of their home. Built in 1968, they received a Gold Certification for the “First Total Electric Home” in Sanford, Maine.

She was a homemaker until she started working at Sprague Electric in the late 1960’s until retirement.

Rita had a lot of fun travelling with family & friends throughout the years including yearly lobster cook outs and family camping trips with her children and grandchildren.

She was a very good cook and loved shopping, a true fashionista. One of her biggest passions was dining out and trying different cultural foods including sushi and all seafood, lobster being her favorite.

Rita truly enjoyed spending time with her very best friends, Nancy (McDonald) Humphrey and Betty Hardy, who meant the world to her.

Strong as a pillar of strength, Rita was an amazing, loving, nurturing, patient woman, Mother, sister, Aunt, Grandmother, Great- Grandmother and a true friend.

She will be leaving a void in all our hearts and will be greatly missed.

A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 28, from 4-6 P.M. at Black Heald and Walker Funeral Home, 580 Main St., Springvale. Graveside service to be held on Wednesday, July 29, at 10:00 at St. Ignatius Cemetery, Twombley Road, Sanford.