Blog

In Her Words
Candid Profiles of Strength Told by the Women of Northbridge

Throughout the month of March, we have collaborated to celebrate Women’s History Month and the rich history of the amazing women living in our communities. Their candid stories are brimming over with love, happiness, passion, family values and the markings of individuals who have truly lived well and loved life.

Kathleen’s Story (Resident of Stafford Hill)

What is your name?
Kathleen “Nikki” Nunes

What are the names of your parents and brothers and sisters?
My Moms name was Sparky and my Dads name was Newell. I had four sisters Kris, KC, Kim and Andi

How did your parents choose your name? Does it have a special meaning? Did you have any nicknames?
My mom was living in Maine when she was pregnant with me. My dad was away at med school. They would refer to me before I was born as “Nicodemus”. When I was born I was named Kathleen, but my nickname became “Nikki”, a shortened version of Nicodemus

When and where were you born?
I was born Lewiston, Maine

What kinds of things did your family do together when you were young?
I spent a lot of time with my grandparents, especially in the summer. My dad passed away when he was 30 years old so my mother was pretty busy working as a nurse and bringing up four girls.

What did you love to do with your friends?
As a young student I loved to go skiing, hiking and travelling.

What schools did you attend? What were your favorite subjects?
I attended Elementary School in Maine and Junior High School and High School in Maryland. I attended Nursing School in Portland, Maine and became an R.N.

If married, what is/was your husband’s name? How did he propose?
I had been dating my husband, Bernie, for six months when he proposed. I had come to Cape Cod to work as a nurse and was all set to go skiing in Colorado when I met him. I loved the outdoors and Bernie seemed like an attractive proposition with his Jeep and boat.

What are your children’s names?
Bernie and I had two girls nine years apart, Stacey and Sarah. Years later we had four grandchildren as well.

What are some special memories you have about your children?
When the kids were young Bernie and I bough a seafood market in Provincetown on Cape Cod. I have special memories of my daughter Stacey working with me at the market. She was a great help looking after her newborn sister, Sarah.

Where have you lived?
Over the years I have lived in Maine, Maryland, Cape Cod and Framingham.

Have you had jobs? Who did you work for and what did you do?
My first profession was nursing, followed by lobster fishing and running the seafood market on Cape Cod. This is in addition to being a Wife, Mom and Grandmom.

What are your hidden talents?
When I was young I played the clarinet. More recently I have taken up art with Jeannette here at Stafford Hill and my paintings have been displayed at art exhibits.

What did you do to get through the difficult times in your life?
I always worked hard when going through difficult times.

Do you have holiday traditions? What do you do for the holidays?
My holiday memories from Thanksgiving and Christmas are of making cinnamon rolls.

What are some of your favorite things?
Flower-I love all flowers
Book- “Roots”
Food- I love sweets

What are some personal experiences that have especially touched your heart?
Having children and grandchildren.

What are your favorite things to do now?
Reading, art and getting outdoors.

What are your favorite experiences to partake in at your community?
Anything that involves being outdoors!

What do you hope for your children and grandchildren?
Good health and happiness.

What is your biggest piece of advice?
Live life to the fullest and enjoy every day!

Sum up your personality in one word…
Calm, I am accepting and open to new ideas.