On July 26, 2026 the world lost a beautiful light with the passing of Sanda Marie Nickols.  Sanda was born in Middletown, Connecticut to Paul and Alice Stemmler on August 16, 1945.  She graduated from Portland High School and attended Colby College, where she earned her BS degree in 1967.  She pursued a career at The Hartford Insurance Company where she soared to the top of her field becoming one of the first women executives at the company.
 

Sanda, fondly known as Sandy, was a generous, kind, and loving person who looked at life as a joyful gift.  She married Don Paquette, moved to Marlborough, CT and was a devoted mother to her two children, Robin and David who were always her first priority.  She married her second husband, Richard Nickols, in 1988 and built a life with him in Union Hall, Virginia until their return to Connecticut in 2017.  
 

Sandy was an adventurous spirit who enjoyed exploring new places.  She traveled extensively through all seven continents and opened her heart to the beauty of the people and places she visited.  In addition to her love of travel, she was also an avid fan of the UCONN Husky Women’s Basketball team even before the team brought home championships.  She loved skiing, theater, and art, and during her time in Marlborough, was an active member of the Marlborough Arts Center involved in promoting local talent.

Sandy herself was a woman of many talents.  She painted, created beautiful, hooked rugs, learned pottery, and developed a true talent in the art of stained glass, creating pieces for family and friends. Her brilliant smile, genuine interest in everyone she encountered, and infectious enthusiasm for life brought her many loyal friends along her life’s journey. She lit up the lives of all she touched.
 

Sandy was predeceased by her parents; her ex-husband, Don Paquette; and her beloved husband Richard Nickols.  She is survived by her son, David Paquette and his wife Kelly of Rocky Mount, Virginia; her daughter Robin Paquette, of East Hartford, Connecticut; and her cherished granddaughters Michelle Paquette of East Haddam, Connecticut, and Meagan Levine, of Meriden, Connecticut.  She also leaves behind her devoted brother, Jay Stemmler and his wife Denise; her sister Roxanne Navratil and her husband William; and her sister Laura Millane and her husband Michael.  In addition, she leaves many nieces and nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.
 

Sandy’s family would like to thank the staff of the Portland Care and Rehabilitation Centre for their excellent care and kindness toward Sandy during her stay.
 

Family and Friends may call on Friday, August 7th from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home immediately following calling hours. Interment will follow in the State Veterans Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sandy’s memory may be made to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.  
 

To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.