Nan Sickler

Sep 13, 1941 -

Feb 27, 2025

Nan Marie Sickler, beloved matriarch, passed peacefully Feb. 27, 2025, at the family home in Chugiak, Alaska. She was 83.

Born Nan Marie Waterman Sept. 13, 1941, in Burns, Ore. She was active in church and performed in several school plays. At grade school graduation she delivered the speech "I speak for Democracy." A National Merit Scholar ranked top 2% nationwide, Nan graduated May 24, 1959, as valedictorian of her class at Burns Union High School.

In 1967, while living in Salem, Nan met Robert Sickler. After a long-distance courtship, Nan wed her beloved husband on July 5, 1969. The family moved to Portland, Ore. Nan loved and nurtured her family and showed kindness, caring and compassion to all. Adventures, gatherings, camping and dancing filled their lives. In 1975, Nan and her family began a new chapter in Alaska. Living in Anchorage until the older children graduated, Nan and Bob moved to Chugiak in 1982. As grandchildren were welcomed to the family, Nan's heart filled with even more love and their home with laughter.

A very detail-oriented person, Nan worked in bookkeeping and accounting throughout her life. She was an extremely loyal, skilled and hard-working employee. In 1990, she found her "forever" job at Brown's Electrical Supply Co. For the next 34 years the Brownies were Nan's second family. She was loved, respected and valued. Her work gave her a great sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Nan was an incredibly strong and loving woman; her example is carried within generations of her family. She radiated joy, every smile brought a twinkle to her beautiful blue eyes.

Recent years saw her health decline but not her love or spirit. Family and friends gathered, with her children, granddaughter Emily and family, grandson Jeremy and grandniece Devin being regular visitors. As Nan's time grew short, her grandson Thomas and brother Leonard arrived in Alaska to help send her off with gentleness and love. Longtime friends Chip and Robin came to share stories with her.

Nan was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; son, Steven; sister, Helen; and niece, Meg. She is survived by children, Michael, Catherine and Gilbert; brother, Leonard; 16 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren and 2 on the way; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 3 nieces; 2 nephews; a grandniece; and 2 grandnephews.

Nan will be forever missed by all who knew her. We will attempt to fill this void by spreading the love she so freely shared with each of us.

Services will be held on March 22 at 1 p.m., at the Heritage Chapel at Angelus, 440 E. Klatt Rd. Anchorage.