Nijole "Nickie" Elizabeth Timcikas Henderson

Nijole “Nickie” Elizabeth Timcikas Henderson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on October 18, 1939, in Lithuania, she endured the hardships of World War II, which separated her from her family for many years. On her 21st birthday she courageously traveled to the United States and joyfully reunited with her parents, whom she had feared were lost to the war.

After graduating high school in Lithuania, Nijole pursued her passion for nursing and earned an Associate’s Degree from nursing school in Waukegan, Illinois. On April Fool’s Day she met the love of her life, William Henderson, Jr., while he was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base. They married and built a life together that took them to California, Virginia, and finally Wheaton, Maryland, where they raised their family.

Nijole devoted more than 30 years to her nursing career at University Nursing Home in Wheaton, where her compassion and dedication touched the lives of countless patients. In retirement, she and William settled on the Eastern Shore, enjoying travel, dancing, and occasional evenings at the casino. She never lost her love for dance and often spoke fondly of performing polkas with her dance group in Lithuania.

She is survived by her devoted husband, William Henderson, Jr.; her son, Daniel Henderson (Amy); her daughter, Sheila Bowers; her grandchildren, Laura Henderson, Samantha Bradford (Jack), John “Jack” Henderson, Emma Majors (Brandon), Jessica Bowers, Matthew Henderson, and David Timmons; her great-grandchildren, Connor, Jacob, Jamie, and Lincoln; her sister, Regina Casey (Edward); and her dear friend, Deborah Collins.