Janet Rose Nickerson

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Janet Rose Nickerson, 74, passed away peacefully on Feb. 6, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla., after a courageous battle with metastatic lung cancer.

Born on Feb. 17, 1951, in Rumford, Maine, Janet was the daughter of Maynard Nickerson and Esther Arlene Jones Nickerson. Throughout her life, she embodied strength, independence, and determination. Those who knew her best knew she was wonderfully stubborn, fiercely loving, and always willing to put others before herself. Though she often acted as though she needed her sons’ help, she was a woman who had quietly carried countless burdens on her own and rarely asked for anything in return.

Janet devoted much of her career to helping others as an Emergency Medical Technician, bringing compassion and care to those in need. But her greatest joy and proudest accomplishments were found within her family.

Known simply as “Mom” to her sons and lovingly called “Mimi” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Janet’s love knew no bounds. Family meant everything to her. She treasured time spent with loved ones and was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. During the years when her son Jason was deployed while serving his country, Janet selflessly stepped in and helped raise her granddaughters, Angelina and Amarra, loving and caring for them as only a devoted mother and grandmother could.

Janet enjoyed life’s simple pleasures and had a gift for making those around her feel loved and cared for. One of the many ways she showed that love was through her cooking. Her homemade beef stew became a family favorite, and today her grandchildren proudly carry on that tradition, keeping a small piece of Mimi alive around their own tables.

She never missed an opportunity to remind those she loved how much they meant to her, often ending conversations with her cherished words, “I love you to the moon and back.” It was a phrase she lovingly shared not only with her grandchildren but with her great-grandchildren as well.

Janet is survived by her loving sons, Jason Sanchez of Gainesville, Fla., and Stephen Sanchez of Kittery; her beloved grandchildren, Angelina Sanchez, Amarra Sanchez, Angelina Sanchez-Dow, and Charles “William” Atwell IV; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Tristan Atwell-Dow, Zoe Dow, Dexter Dow, and Bentley Renee Wilson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Maynard Nickerson and Esther Arlene Jones Nickerson; and her beloved sister, Linda Davis.

In accordance with Janet’s wishes, a private graveside service attended by close family and friends was held on June 20. She was laid to rest at Pine Grove Cemetery, where she now rests beside her mother, father, and sister in the family plot.

Though her family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with those who went before her, the loss she leaves behind is immeasurable. She will be remembered for her unwavering strength, her devotion to family, her generous heart, and the countless ways she quietly took care of those she loved.

Mom, thank you for every sacrifice you made, every hug you gave, and every time you reminded us that we were loved. Thank you for helping raise our children, for always being there when we needed you, and for showing us what unconditional love truly looks like. We miss you every day and carry your love with us in all that we do. Until we meet again, we will love you—to the moon and back.

Forever our Mom. Forever our Mimi. Forever in our hearts.