Gloria (Nardone) Rickman, 1927–2025, was known as the “Sewing Lady”
Gloria (Nardone) Rickman of Waltham passed away Wednesday morning, July 9, at her residence in the presence of her loving family. She was 98.
The beloved wife of the late Fred Rickman, she is survived by her loving children Katherine Driscoll and her husband Thomas of New Gloucester, Maine; Robert Rickman of Templeton; Cheryl Pellitier and her husband Marc of Falmouth, Maine; Alexandra Rickman of Waltham; and her grandchildren John Driscoll, Sarah Waters and Shane Rickman. She is also survived by her six great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends.
Rickman was predeceased by her daughters Frances and Donna Rickman and her brother Alexander Nardone.
Born in New York City on April 19, 1927, to Gennaro and Maria (DeSantos) Nardone, she was raised and educated in the city. In her younger years she worked as a seamstress in her father’s tailor shop. Her sewing talents carried throughout her life, as she was affectionately known as the “Sewing Lady” to many.
Rickman retired from the Waltham Hospital where she had worked as a nurse’s aide for 20 years. After her retirement she developed a love of travel and cruising and was able to explore the world.
An expert at jigsaw puzzles, she was a wonderful cook and proud of her Italian heritage, making her traditional Christmas lasagna annually.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a memorial service in celebration of her life on Thursday, July 17, at 6 p.m. in the Mary Catherine Chapel of the Brasco and Sons Memorial, 773 Moody Street, Waltham. Visiting hours will be prior to service from 4 to 6 p.m.
For those who wish donations in Gloria’s memory may be made to the Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.
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