Elizabeth J. (Niemela) Higgins

Elizabeth J. Higgins Athol – Elizabeth J. “Betty” (Niemela) Higgins, 84, died Wednesday, October 22, 2014, at UMass Memorial Medical Center-University Campus in Worcester.      Betty was born in Gardner, MA, January 19, 1930, the daughter of Elmer O. and Jennie W. (Erickson) Niemela.  She grew up in Athol, graduating from Athol High School in 1947 and from Salter School in Worcester in 1949.      Betty worked for the L.S. Starrett Company as an executive secretary for 38, years retiring in 1994.        She was a member of the Athol Congregational Church for over 57 years, was a member of the Ellinwood Country Club and the Athol Woman’s Club.  She enjoyed playing golf, bridge, following the Boston Red Sox, reading and spending winters with her husband in Winter Springs, Florida since 1993.      She leaves several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and two great-grand nieces.  She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Charles W. “Buzz” Higgins in 2011, a brother, Robert Niemela in 1988 and her brother-in-law, Donald H. Higgins in 2014.      A graveside service will be held Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at Silver Lake Cemetery (upper entrance off Horrigan Ave.) with the Rev. Dr. Beverly Prestwood-Taylor, pastor of the Athol Congregational Church officiating.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions in Betty’s name be made to: The Athol Congregational Church, “Book of Memory” 1225 Chestnut Street, Athol, MA  01331.  Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main St., Athol, is directing the arrangements.  For more information or to share a memory with the family go to: www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com      $(document).ready(function(){ });