Gena Mae Nickerson Flagg-Shute, 96, passed away on January 4, 2026, surrounded by many of the beloved women in her life, in Belfast, Maine.

Born in Belfast, the daughter of the late Georgia Nickerson-Wing and Elmer Nickerson, and wife of the late Kenneth Flagg and Manley (True) Shute, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Judy Evans of Rockland; her son, Ken Flagg and wife, Karla of Belfast; her grandchildren, Mark Evans of Belfast, Kami Evans of Rockland, Christy Flagg Tisdale of Corinna, and Hayley Rae of Williamsburg, VA; her great grandchildren, Julia Clough of Tenants Harbor, Kaden Perce of Newcastle, Audrey Perce of Bangor, Hanna Perce of Newcastle, Ian Clough of Rockland; sisters, Teresa Crosby of Belfast, June Russ of Westbrook, Edith Nickerson of Augusta, Dorothy Moody of Vero Beach, FL; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was predeceased in death by her grandson, Travis Flagg; her brother, Raymond Nickerson; her brother, Harland Nickerson; her brother, Byron Nickerson; and her sister, Avis Metcalf.

Gena’s family was most important in her life. With grandchildren, nieces and nephews, running into the office for a snack or the forever ring ding cakes. Her family knew they could always count on her with her listening skills and her practical and common-sense approach to solving problems, being a confidant while offering wise advice. She was steadfast always, with a fair and quiet approach to discipline and her love for her family.

Gena loved being part of a large family where she helped raise the younger children, becoming a second mother figure to Byron, Dorothy and Avis. Being a part of a large family meant upon the unexpected passing of her father, she chose to suspend her high school education to help raise the younger siblings. Gena earned her high school diploma later through the GED Program, then became a CNA serving the Waldo County District. She spent many years helping to run a trucking business with her husband and then as a bookkeeper for her son’s truck repair business, Flagg’s Garage, until her retirement.

An avid reader and member of the Belfast City Library, reading three to four books every week, she would add her initial to the last page of the book in the lower right corner so she would be reminded that she already read the book. She loved walks and bike rides with her grandchildren in the summer and ice skating and cross-country skiing in the winter with her family. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Many thanks to Waldo County Hospital doctors, nurses and staff, and Harbor Hill’s doctors, nurses, aids and staff throughout Gena’s stay in both facilities. The family appreciates everyone’s great care and kindness.

A memorial service is to be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:00 am at Riposta Funeral Home in Belfast.

Donations may be made in Gena’s name at Homeworthy.org to benefit The Landing Place. Gena would make a donation annually, with family and friends, for bikes for kids at TLP each Christmas.