Born December 22, 1924 in Kursk, Russia, Nina studied and loved languages at an early age.
While still teenagers, she and her sister were taken by the Nazis into Germany during WWII and separated for nearly 30 years. Nina’s language skills served her well, however, and she was able to work as a translator.
After the war, Nina moved to France and married an American soldier, S Sgt. Leon Thompson. He brought her to Maine and they lived on Peaks Island. She separated from him and later divorced in 1958.
Nina met her second husband, Brooks Colcord, while working in a music store in Portland. They married in April of 1958 and settled in Yarmouth, Maine – sharing 45 years together until his death in 2003.
Nina earned her undergraduate degree in English literature and psychology in January, 1974 from the University of Maine, summa cum laude. She earned two master’s degrees: an MA degree in Liberal Arts specializing in Russian language and literature from Middlebury College, VT, and an MS degree in education from the University of Maine in 1981.
She worked and volunteered as a translator in a number of venues – at Maine Medical Center, for area businesses, politicians and civic groups.
Nina loved teaching and was eager to teach at all levels:
She taught languages and literature in Freeport and Cape Elizabeth and English, history, Russian and German for 17 years in Portland. Prior to that, she taught at Bowdoin College and at the University of Southern Maine.
Other loves in Nina’s life included gardening and rescuing animals. Shelter cats and a wounded seagull she named “Jonathan” were near and dear to her tender heart.
Nina is predeceased by her husband, Brooks, and her sister, Maya.
At her request, there will be no services. Those who knew her and loved her are to remember her in their hearts. Donations in her memory may be made to:
HART of Maine, P.O. Box 351, Cumberland, ME 04021; email: [email protected].
Arrangements are being handled by the Lindquist Funeral Home, 1 Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth, ME 04096. Please go to www.lindquistfuneral.com to offer online condolences.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.5