Sheila Bunker Nickerson

Apr 14, 1942 -

Sep 27, 2026

Sheila Nickerson, 84, of Bellingham, Wash., died on Sept. 27, 2026, at home. Born April 14, 1942, in New York City, to Charles and Mavis Bunker, she graduated summa cum laude from Bryn Mawr College in 1964 and later earned a Ph.D. from the Union Institute.

She married Martinus Hoffman "Martin" Nickerson in 1964. They moved to Juneau, Alaska, in 1971, where Sheila developed a distinguished literary career. Author of more than 17 books spanning poetry, fiction and nonfiction, she explored wilderness, wildlife, Arctic exploration and humanity's relationship with nature. Appointed Poet Laureate of Alaska in 1977, she twice received the Pushcart Prize for poetry.

She collaborated with many Alaskan artists, worked with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and shared her passion for education through the Artists in Schools program. She helped establish University Within Walls, bringing educational opportunities to incarcerated Alaskans. In 2001, she participated in the Harriman Expedition Retraced.

After retirement, Sheila and Martin sailed the Caribbean before settling in Bellingham. Fiercely independent, intellectually curious and generous, she loved animals, rescued racehorses and welcomed visitors for afternoon tea.

Preceded in death by Martin and her brother, Sheffield Bunker, she is survived by children Helen, Thomas and Samuel; grandchildren, Anna, India, Peter, Storm , Kira, Bode and Nina; two great-granddaughters, Griffin and Gisele; and sister, Mavis Taintor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of the Juneau Public Libraries, friendjpls.org. An outdoor memorial is planned for summer 2027.