Hamilton - Louise I. (Pohas) Nickas, 89, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at her home surrounded by both of her children.

Louise was the beloved wife of the late Aristedes (Steve) Nickas, with whom she enjoyed 62 years of marriage. Louise and Steve lived in Gloucester, MA until 1984, at which time they moved to Hamilton, MA.

Louise was born in Gloucester, MA on September 20, 1936, to the late George J. Pohas, M.D., and the late E. Martha Pohas. She was a graduate of Gloucester High School, Class of 1954. She then attended the University of Maine where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics in 1958.

She married her husband Steve in 1960 and spent the next several years at home raising her two children, Anthony and Cathy. They were one of her greatest joys in life and she had an unwavering devotion to them. In her later years, Anthony and Cathy became Louise's greatest advocates and caregivers. They ensured that Louise was well cared for and that she felt deeply loved.

Louise had a very strong work ethic, which was instilled in her from early childhood. As a young girl, she would often be seen working at Ketchopulos Market in Rockport, MA alongside her grandparents. Upon graduating from the University of Maine, Louise worked as an Assistant Buyer at Filene's in Boston, MA. In the late 1960s, she started her career at Gloucester High School, where she became a well-respected and beloved history teacher and eventually was promoted to head of the history department, which was the position she held until her retirement in 1993. Over the years, former students and colleagues shared their memories with family members talking about the positive impact she had on them.

Louise was a lifelong member of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Ipswich, MA. She and her husband, Steve, donated many years of their time supporting the church and its events. In addition, Louise also participated as a member of the church choir.

Louise was a proud American. She and her husband enjoyed celebrating the July 4th holiday with an annual family lobster bake after participating in the Manchester parade, where they drove their antique cars with their grandchildren. Louise was also very proud of her Greek heritage. She and Steve passed on many wonderful Greek traditions to their family, including the annual Greek Easter celebration, where they would celebrate the holiday with a traditional lamb roast. She used every opportunity to teach her grandchildren about their Greek heritage which was highlighted by a 30-day family trip to Greece in 2005. This trip has been and will continue to always be a lasting memory for her grandchildren.

Louise was a proud YiaYia. She and her husband, Steve (known by his grandchildren as Pappy), cherished their five grandchildren and both were extremely proud of each of them for their individual accomplishments. Louise never missed an opportunity to praise her grandchildren and to express her deep love for each of them. She, along with her husband Steve, enjoyed participating in all their grandchildren's events and activities. Their grandchildren are immensely grateful for all their love, support, and encouragement.

Later in life, Louise really enjoyed the family dogs, Shelby and Rex. She loved to secretly feed them whenever they came to visit her (making her their favorite person without a doubt).

Louise is survived by her son Anthony A. Nickas and his wife, Carolyn of Hamilton, MA; her daughter, Catherine N. Bazdanes and her husband Theodore of Gloucester, MA. She is also survived by her five grandchildren Nicholas Bazdanes (Kendra), Kara Nickas Shea (Craig), Steven Nickas (Rachel), Christopher Bazdanes (Jenna), and Anthony C. Nickas (Kathryn). Louise is also survived by two sisters, Mary Jane Rudolph (Clarence) of Gloucester, MA and Joan E. Pohas of Gloucester, MA, as well as, her sister-in-law, Stella Mantzourani of Georgetown, MA and several nieces and their families.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Louise's incredible and dedicated team of caregivers: Judy, Tamra, Denise, Kim V., Kristen, Kim M., Pam, and Prischillah.

Visiting hours will be held at Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. Family and friends are cordially invited.

Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 8 Lafayette Road, Ipswich, MA at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Dolliver Memorial Cemetery, Lincoln Street, Gloucester, MA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Louise's memory to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 8 Lafayette Road, Ipswich, MA 01938, https://www.greekorthodoxchurchipswich.org/.

Online condolences may be given at www.greelyfuneralhome.com.