Nicia Norris Gruener, 75, died suddenly Nov. 11, 2020 in Boothbay Harbor.

She was born July 31, 1945 in Georgia to James Lawrence Norris and Gertrude Gladys (Weaver) Norris.

Nicia grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania., Painesville, Ohio, and Waite Hill, Ohio. She graduated from high school at The Laurel School in Cleveland, Ohio. Nicia, her sister, Kendra and their cousin Susie created a group called “The Eager Beaver Club,” of which they told many fun stories.

She attended Beaver College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for a year and transferred to Lake Erie College where she earned a BA degree. She moved to Pittsburgh to work as a special education teacher. Nicia graduated with a master’s degree in a pioneering special education program at the University of Pittsburgh. As part of Nicia’s master’s program, she was part of a special educational program that observed Fred Rogers in his original lab in Pittsburgh.

Nicia met William “Bill” Gruener in 1968 and they got married on June 28, 1969. They lived in Pittsburgh then moved to St. Louis where Nicia and Bill welcomed their first child, Jamie. Later the family moved to Andover, Massachusetts  While in Andover, she was a member of the Andover Garden Club and a part-time staff member at Phillips Academy. After 31 years, Nicia and Bill retired to Boothbay Harbor.

Nicia was driven by knowledge, history, tradition and research. She was first and foremost a dedicated mother, teacher, great jelly maker, amateur archaeologist, and knitter extraordinaire. She leaves a legacy of magnificent sweaters. As a couple project, both Nicia and Bill enjoyed helping the Georgetown Historical Society update all of their records electronically. One of her favorite pastimes was as a “digger” at the Fort St. George archaeological site near Fort Popham, Phippsburg.

Nicia was predeceased by her parents and is survived by her husband of 51 years, William “Bill” Gruener of Boothbay Harbor; two sons, Jamie and his wife Brandee and children Natalie and Lincoln; John and his wife Sophie and their son Micah; sister, Kendra Supple of southern California; cousins, Paul Weaver of Maine and Susie Banta of northern California.

Contributions in Nicia’s memory may be made to the Boothbay Region Ambulance Service, P.O.Box 280, Boothbay, ME 04537.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral and Cremation Services, Boothbay.

Condolences may be shared at Nicia’s Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com