Maxine (Orton) Nikula

Maxine (Orton) Nikula passed away on July 13. Wife of James, mother of Blair, Vicki, Janice, Kathy, Dale, and Stephen, as well as grandmother to 13 and great-grandmother to 14, Maxine led a life full of love and devotion.

A life-long resident of Harwich, Maxine graduated at the age of 16 from Harwich High School in 1946. Because of her young age, she had to wait a year before she could attend the Deaconess Hospital School of Registered Nursing. Upon graduating, Maxine worked as a Registered Nurse at Cape Cod Hospital until she had the first of her six children, devoting herself to being a full-time mother. As they grew up, she returned to nursing as a private duty nurse.

She was an incredible woman who showered the lives of everyone she knew and befriended with love, laughter, happiness, and sunshine. For almost 74 years, she and Jim lived what was often described as a fairy-tale marriage. She literally was the wind beneath his wings, supporting him in all of his endeavors, including a home improvement business for which she served as both bookkeeper and a tireless source of encouragement.

During that time, she still found time to raise six talented and loving children, and constantly demonstrated her prowess in the kitchen. Whatever emanated from her oven was a treat, and the Nikula home became legendary among children in the neighborhood for her cookies, brownies, and other baked goods. To this day, some lucky Harwich residents of a certain age still fondly recall “Ms. Nikula’s cookies.” With her sparkling personality, she could brighten up anyone’s darkest or dreariest day.

If one could use only one word to describe this amazing woman it would be love. She was the embodiment of it and possessed it in endless supply. In her final moments, she passed away holding her husband’s hand.

A private, family celebration of Maxine’s life will be held in the future. For those wishing to make a contribution in her memory, please consider giving a donation in her name to the Harwich Family Pantry.