Gratia M. Fisher

ATHOL- Gratia M. Fisher, age 86, of Athol died Monday, August 31, 2015 at Quabbin Valley Healthcare of Athol, MA. Gratia was born October 14, 1928 in Gardner, MA. She was the daughter of the late Merton C. and the late Gratia M. (Reardon) Fisher. She lived in Athol all of her life, graduating from Athol High School in 1946, going on to graduate from Fitchburg State College in 1951 with a Bachelor of Education degree and a Master of Education degree in 1956. She was employed as an elementary school teacher, starting her career at the Otter River Elementary School in Templeton for three years. She then worked in the Athol-Royalston School District for 35 years, first as a 4th grade teacher and later as a reading specialist, retiring in 1989. She was a member of the Athol Congregational Church, serving as church clerk for 16 years, was a church delegate for 16 years and served on the mission committee for several years. She was a life-long member of the Athol Historical Society, past president of the Athol Teachers’ Association, past president of the Athol High School Alumni Association, a member of the Massachusetts Teachers’ Association, National Education Association, Fitchburg State College Alumni Association and the State and County Employees’ Association. She was an avid reader and enjoyed crossword puzzles, listening to classical music and theater. She was very active as a resident at Quabbin Valley Healthcare, serving on the Resident Council, as a regular contributor/columnist to their quarterly newsletter, ‘The Voice,’ and was awarded 2 solo art shows. Her most recent accomplishment was the designing of the tee shirt being used for their annual Alzheimer’s Walk. She is survived by 2 nephews, Bernard C. Fisher of Deer Park, NY and Bruno J. Fisher of Athol; 2 nieces, Diane C. Fisher of Athol and Claudia T. Mallet of Orange and life-long friend, Sharon Keith. She was predeceased by her brother, Frederick C. Fisher. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 8 at 2:00 PM at the Athol Congregational Church, 1225 Chestnut St., Athol, MA with Reverend Beverly Prestwood-Taylor officiating. Burial will be at the Village Cemetery, Fitzwilliam, NH at the family’s convenience. Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol, is directing arrangements. To send an online condolence, please visit mackfamilyfh.com.