Jacqueline K. Nivala

GARDNER - Jacqueline K Nivala, 78 of 101 Pelley St., Gardner, died Sunday, June 5, 2011 at home. She was bor n in Fitchburg, on August 23, 1932, the daughter of the late John C. Larson and Irene (Progen) Larson. Jacqueline grew up in Templeton and graduated from Templeton High School. She obtained a teaching degree from Fitchburg State College and a degree in Human Services from Mount Wachusett Community College. She taught 3rd grade in Gardner at the School Street School for many years. She was also a substitute teacher for the Gardner School system for many years. Mrs. Nivala was a member of the Gardner School Committee for one term, and a member of the Commission for the Blind in Gardner. She was a member of Higher Ground Ministries in Gardner. She was very active with Animal rescue leagues and she was an avid reader. She leaves one daughter: Catherine Stewart and her husband Leslie of Gardner, three sons: Gary R. Nivala and his wife Deborah of Gardner, Gregg R. Nivala and his wife Cynthia of Midlothian, VA, Eric J. Nivala of Gardner; four grandchildren: Nicholas R. Nivala, Patrick S. Nivala, Robert C. Nivala and Deirdre Anne Nivala. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert W. Nivala, in 2008. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 11:00 am in the Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon St. Gardner. Burial will be private in Wildwood Cemetery. A calling hour will be held Thursday from 10:00 - 11:00 am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in her memory to Gardner Animal Shelter, 899 West Broadway, Gardner, MA 01440. $(document).ready(function(){ });