Alicia Waddington

Alicia “Lee” Waddington, 94, of Dover, Ohio passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 in Community Hospice House at New Philadelphia. She was born on March 8, 1921 to Arthur and Mary Nichols at Union Hospital near their home on the Boulevard in Dover, Ohio.

She is survived by her siblings, Elodea “Penny” Zurcher, Arthur Nichols Jr., and Joann Hammond all of Dover; her son, Max D. (Shirley) Waddington Jr. of Opelika, Alabama; a granddaughter, Michelle (Jeff) Steiner of Fayetteville, Arkansas; grandsons, Max D. (Alisha) Waddington III of Alpharetta, Georgia and Thomas M. (Jordan) Waddington of Canton, Georgia; her great granddaughters, Blaire Waddington and Ashley and Megan Steiner; a great grandson, Otis Samuel Waddington and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family.

Alicia was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 72 years, Max D. Waddington Sr. who passed away on January 5, 2015; a son, Jon; two brothers, Ralph and Albert Nichols and two sisters, Valia Nichols and Josephine McKnight.

Alicia grew up on the Boulevard in Dover back when it was residential and was one of the Nichols girls. She graduated from Dover High School in 1938. Alicia married Max Dale Waddington and lived with his parents in Pleasant Valley until he returned from World War II Naval service. Upon his return, Max’s father gave them three adjacent acres where they built the home that is now 2081 Pleasant Valley Road, using the money she saved while living with his parents. Alicia worked as a waitress at the Dutch Oven Restaurant and then at Hammond Dry Cleaners. Always very active in social events with family and friends in both Dover and New Philadelphia, she had many friends. Alicia was very athletic, an excellent bridge player and a very good lady golfer.

In 1960, Alicia moved to Opelika, Alabama with her husband and son who was a senior in high school. It was an excellent opportunity for her husband in his profession and son to later attend and graduate from Auburn University. Alicia had an active social life in Opelika as a member of several bridge clubs, the azalea garden club and the hospital auxiliary. She also enjoyed other hobbies such as pottery making, crocheting and playing golf. In the mid 1960’s the family leased property from Alabama Power Company on Lake Martin and the weekends at the lake began. Alicia enjoyed the environment as many of her friends would come up for the weekend and many later built cabins nearby. Max would fish and Lee would cook up whatever he caught. She always looked back fondly at the time at the lake cabin, beach, swimming and boating.

Alicia and her husband, Max, returned to live in Dover in 1985 to be near family and friends. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Dover. Alicia never met a stranger as her quick wit and superior memory seemed to fascinate all she met. Staying socially active she delighted many people, family and friends with her wit and crocheting handy work. She adored her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2015 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. A funeral service celebrating Alicia’s life will follow at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Dave St. Aubin officiating. Burial will follow in East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Following the committal service a family luncheon will be held in the Hospitality Room in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover.

Contributions may be made in Alicia’s memory to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.