Monica Cotter
Monica Q. Nickerson, 82, of Holliston, passed away at
her home on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Born in Somerville, MA, she was the
daughter of the late Isabel (Chisholm) and John Cotter.
Monica was an active member of Saint Mary’s Church of
Holliston. She cherished her neighborhood and the many friendships she formed
there. She loved spending time at the beach in Wells, Maine, where she also
enjoyed collecting heart-shaped rocks along the shore. Monica took pleasure in
simple comforts such as knitting and making pot holders,
which she loved sharing with others. She created many treasured memories on
Disney trips with her family and her lifelong close friend, Gail Cornish, and
her family. She also enjoyed going on cruises with her family.
Throughout her life, she lived in Somerville,
Arlington, Wells, Maine, and Natick before settling in Holliston. She loved
tending to her garden and especially looked forward to her annual Christmas
party with family and friends, a tradition that brought her happiness. She
spent many years working at JCPenney’s and later at Hallmark, where she always
found a way to connect with every stranger she met. Making connections came
naturally to her. Monica had a sharp sense of humor and was a true hoot to be
around.
She is survived by three children, David Nickerson of
Holliston and his former wife, Jeanette Palmer, Karen Green and her husband,
Robert Alzapiedi of Bolton, John Nickerson of Hopkinton; and her honorary son,
Brian Kramer of Holliston. She also leaves behind her siblings, Mary Mespelli
of Ashland, John Cotter of Damariscotta, Maine; her grandchildren, Haley,
Stephen, and Ashley Green, TJ Nickerson, Erin, and Brendan Alzapiedi. She is
predeceased by her former husband, David Nickerson, and her siblings, Isabel
“Jean” Bartley, Ruth Canoni, Martha McGilvary, and Lawrence Cotter.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd,
from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, 854 Washington St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 4th, at 11:00 a.m. at
Saint Mary’s Church of Holliston. Burial will follow in Saint Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners
Hospital, Shrinerschildrens.org.