Nancy M. Airola

Nancy Margaret Soctomah Airola

June 18, 1944 – August 15, 2023

Our beloved Nancy passed away peacefully with her loving husband, family and friends by her side. 

Nancy was predeceased by her parents, Simon and Beatrice Soctomah; brother Harvey Soctomah; brothers-in-law Sidney Lewis, John Taylor, Ken Jackson, and Cliv Dore; nephews David Moses Bridges and John Surles; grandparents Sylvester Gabriel, Elizabeth Finnen, and Simon and Mary Soctomah.

She is survived by her loving husband Michael, to whom she was married to for 45 years; her siblings, Hilda Soctomah Lewis, Mel Soctomah and wife Joan, Jane Taylor, Lena Jackson, and Fran Soctomah Dore.  Nancy made many friends throughout her travels.  Her closest friends include Gen “the hen” Neptune, Geno and Bernie Francis, Alice Clair and friends at Dobsie Lake.  Though Nancy did not have children of her own, she was a “bonus” mother to 35 nieces and nephews, 50 great-nieces and great nephews, and 24 great-grand grand nieces and nephews.  Her nurturing love made us all feel uniquely special.

Throughout Nancy’s adventurous life, she traveled the country extensively, meeting her beloved husband and soulmate along the way.  She was employed by Fannie Farmer in Cambridge, MA, Intel in California, Digital at Sipayik where she retired to become a military housewife.  Her hobbies included quilt making, crocheting, puzzles, playing cards and braiding sweet grass.  She also loved her birds; “Tweety” being her mascot.  She enjoyed visiting her camp, Camp Kciwesis at Sysladobsis Lake, and riding her four wheeler with her friends. 

Nancy will always be remembered for her infectious laugh, exuberance for life and adventurous spirit.  We will hold her love forever in our hearts.

The Soctomah Family would like to express sincere gratitude and thanks to the following: her personal caregiver Nancy Cook, the staff at the Veteran’s Administration in Bangor, Lea and Jolene from Pleasant Point Health Center, and Tara from Community Health & Counseling Services/Hospice.  Thank you for caring for Nancy like she was your family.