Nina Grace (Grotton) Chamberlain passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026 after a six-year journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Until the end, Nina maintained that sparkle for life and deep compassion for others. Her bright blue eyes expressed appreciation and love even when words could not.

Nina was born in Somerville, Maine on October 29,1938 to parents John and Gladys (Glidden) Grotton. Nina was the eleventh of their fourteen children. The family moved to Unity, Maine where Nina attended school until graduation from Unity High School in 1958. Soon after, she left Maine for Connecticut where she met and soon married the love of her life, Frank (Pete) Chamberlain in 1961.

Pete and Nina raised their five children: Dawn, Pamela, Peter, Danny, and Patrick, on Box Mountain Drive in Vernon, Connecticut. All the neighborhood kids knew that our house was the place to go for a snack and a smile. We had a permanent baseball diamond out front instead of a manicured lawn, and the woods around home were filled with our trails and forts. Mom always encouraged us to “play outside.” She was the adopted Mom to many, particularly Ann Meyers who had her own bed set up for sleep overs. Although life had its ups and downs, Pete and Nina faced challenges together and always mixed work with pleasure. They were known for hosting celebrations and rarely missed a dance or backyard barbecue.

In 1978, they moved their family to China, Maine, and Nina’s days were dedicated to her family. She embraced the community, and it embraced her in return. Again, our home on Lakeview Drive was the hang-out for cousins and friends with Mom serving as chaperone and chauffeur. When it came to holidays, Nina’s creative energy was bursting at the seams. Our home was always festive and bubbling with excitement. Her Halloween costumes were infamous, and there was never less than five pies for Thanksgiving dessert––she always knew the men’s favorites. Guests never went home hungry. Her flower gardens were an eclectic mix of plants and garden art, including a statue of David (naked, of course). She told me she loved the statue because “He doesn’t talk back.” Plants, like people, seemed to flourish under her care, and she often made arrangements and bouquets for social events and weddings. Tragedy struck in 1985 when Pete developed cancer and died too soon.

After losing Pete, she found a second “home” at Erskine Academy, where she worked as a teacher’s assistant for more than twenty years until her retirement at age 72. At Erskine, she was known as Mrs. C. and appreciated by many students and advisees. Long after their graduation, students kept in touch, sending updates with cards and photos. Among her colleagues, Nina was known for her spicy sense of humor and her dedication to the job. Nina’s joy for life and commitment to task left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

As our Mom, Nina was a fun-loving and energetic. She instilled many positive lifelong habits in her children, but the role that may have suited her best was being “Gram” to her 11 grandchildren: Amber, Matthew, Jayson, Jacob, Nicole, Lauren, Brandi, Marissa, Mallory, Lucas and Hannah. Nina cherished them and delighted in every stage of their lives. She made a point to be as engaged as possible; from babysitting, attending birthday parties and sporting events, to beach trips, going Up-North, and traveling out-of-state. She had a fierce pride and deep love for each one. Independence, charm, and resourcefulness was the legacy she passed on to them.

Nina is survived by her brother Anthony (Tony) Grotton and sisters Rita Carrow and Joyce Pio, her five children and son-in-law Dale McKenney, daughters-in-law Andrea and Jen Chamberlain, 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; Gabrielle, Griffin, Garrison, Everleigh, Cohen, Reese, Josie, Holden, Wyatt, Gwennie, Aiden, Harper, Daviney, Austyn, Sawyer, Ava, and Cecilia, who knew her as GiGi. Also important to note are the dozens of nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews who cherished their aunt Nina. Her doors were always open to family and friends.

If you knew Nina, you might describe her as compassionate, independent, creative, and hilarious. She made every day an adventure. Even when her illness incapacitated her, she could always muster a smile. She truly embodied the adage of a life lived to the fullest.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Nina’s memory and dedication to Erskine Academy with a donation in her name to Erskine’s Memorial Scholarship Fund.  

Celebration of Life for Nina Chamberlain will be held at Erskine Academy in So. China, Maine on Saturday of Mothers Day weekend

May 9th in the cafeteria from 10AM to Noon!

All are welcome!