Jane Nickerson Thurston

Jane Nickerson Thurston, 73, of Essex Junction, VT, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025.
Born January 23, 1952, to Lois and Richard Thurston of Littleton, MA. She was the youngest of three children and adored her older brothers Stephen and Peter. Jane spent her childhood primarily in Amherst, NH, graduating from Milford High School in 1970. She married her high school sweetheart, Stephen Pratt, in 1971. Steve's service in the U.S. Navy took them from New London, CT, to Charleston, SC, before they settled in Manchester, NH. In 1977, Jane and Steve welcomed their only child, Jennifer. Following their divorce, Jane and Jennifer moved to Wolfeboro, NH to be closer to Jane's parents who had retired there.
Jane often reminisced about many fond memories throughout her lifetime: the Thurston family cottage on Berry Bay in Freedom, NH; riding horses as a child; skipping school with friends to spend days at Hampton Beach; the thrill of her first Ford Mustang; and the deep, lifelong bond as the younger sister to her brothers Stephen and Peter. She cherished her family, and their love and unwavering support throughout the many ups and downs in her life. Jane was fiercely independent and resourceful, juggling many jobs and responsibilities as a single mother. She had a wonderful sense of humor, a strong work ethic, and the ability to connect authentically with everyone she met.
Jane enjoyed working in different sectors during her professional life. She began as a paralegal, then worked as an advertising representative and editor at The Wolfeboro Times newspaper. She later found her niche in radio, serving the Lakes Region with stations WLKZ and WSCY. Most recently, she contributed to public radio as an underwriter for New Hampshire Public Radio. Across decades in this industry, she was most proud of the mission of Public Radio and the relationships she built with clients and community members over the years.
In 2015, Jane retired from NHPR and relocated to Essex Junction, Vermont, to be closer to Jennifer and her growing family. She adored her role as Nana to Graham, Harper, and Lucy, cherishing every moment they shared together as infants, toddlers and children-baking, taking walks, spending time at the park, watching their games, and finding delight in the simple wonders surrounding them. She was an avid gardner and carefully tended to her perennials and yard, which brought her immense pride and joy. She loved red wine, the ocean, spending time in Tucson with lifelong friend Roxanne, jelly donuts, Lake Winnipesaukee, her famous Chex mix and tollhouse cookie bars, time in Wolfeboro with Anne and Dave, fresh cut flowers from her garden, Mother-Daughter weekends at Camp Huckins, York Peppermint Patties, yard sales, everything Christmas, chatting with neighbors, her little dog Luna, and above all, spending time with Jennifer and her grandchildren.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Peter. She is survived by her daughter Jennifer and her family-son-in-law Brad, and grandchildren Graham, Harper, and Lucy Luck; her eldest brother and sister-in-law, Stephen and Diana Thurston, and their children, Erica (Kevin) and Andrew; her niece, Torie Thurston; and several cousins.
Jane's family expresses deep gratitude to the UVM Hospice team, especially nurse Sandra, and the staff and caregivers at Maple Ridge Memory Care Community in Essex, Vermont. Their care, compassion, and diligence allowed her to be peaceful and comfortable in the final weeks of her life.
Services will be private and held at a later date. Memorial contributions in Jane's memory may be made to YMCA Camp Huckins, honoring a special place where Jane and Jennifer shared many memories and where Harper and Lucy will soon be campers. Donations can be made online at or mailed to Camp Huckins; 17 Camp Huckins Rd; Freedom, NH 03836. Please make a note that your gift is in honor of Jane.