ORLEANS – Ann Smyth Nickerson, 62, passed away Wednesday May 12, 2021 in her Orleans home after a 15-year battle with breast cancer. A two-time cancer champion, Ann began fighting her third battle in January 2017, overcoming an initial diagnosis of a failed heart valve, metastatic breast cancer, broken rib, and pneumonia. She fought with an uncommon willfulness and gratitude that her oncologist said she wished she could bottle.
Ann was born on November 18, 1958 to Robert and Adella Smyth of Lincoln, MA. She had three brothers, Bob, Sam, and Sandy. Ann attended Mount Holyoke College where she studied chemistry. As a child, she spent summers in Brewster with her family.
Ann lived her life in the pursuit of beauty. She was one half of William Nickerson Antiques, traveling New England to deal in early American furniture and fine art. She collected spongewear, Sandwich glass, and paintings. She read history books and literature. Her favorite author was Charles Dickens.
Ann is survived by her husband William Eugene Nickerson, daughter Elizabeth Ann Nickerson, the entire Smyth family and Smyth-adjacent families, her Mother-in-law, Mary Elizabeth Nickerson, and Amanda, her English cocker spaniel.
A grower of rose, lover of Christmas, and friend to spiders, she will be remembered as selfless, pragmatic, and full of love.
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