Nellie Louise (Foster) Novakowski

GARDNER - Nellie Louise (Foster) Novakowski, aged 95, of Gardner, devoted wife of the late Teddy V. Novakowski for 67 years, entered eternal life on January 20, 2021, while residing at The Manor on the Hill, Leominster, Mass. Nellie was born in Mexico, Maine on May 24, 1925, the second daughter of William and Neva (nee Taylor) Foster. Nellie was educated at the Kimball Street School and then the Rumford-Mexico High School in Mexico, Maine. Upon graduation in 1942, she entered into nurses training at the New England Baptist Hospital and Nursing School and became a registered nurse. Nellie was also a member of the U.S. Army Nurse Cadet Corps during World War II. Nellie continued through the years using her nursing skills; such as volunteering for 25 years with the American Red Cross Blood Mobile. Nellie was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, friend, and Mother. She enjoyed knitting and made many baby sweaters and hats over the years. She learned her knitting skills from her maternal grandmother, Nellie L. Taylor, when she was 8 years old. That same year she came to believe and have faith in Jesus Christ. Her favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3 v. 5 & 6, “Trust in the Lord... ...straight.” Nellie was predeceased by her older sister, Marion T. Mathews of Charlton, Mass. Left to treasure her memory are her children, Donna Ferriere (husband, Dr. Craig Fischer) of Naples, Florida, Gary Novakowski (wife June Corbin) of Newfields, New Hampshire, Nan Sands (husband Howard) of East Templeton, Mass., Janice Neva Paul (husband Bruce) of Gardner, Mass., Joan Van Geest of Derry, New Hampshire, Jean Mountain (husband James) of Ashburnham, Mass., Lora Novakowski of Gardner, Mass., and their families comprised of 12 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts in Nellie’s name, be made to either the Bethany Baptist Church, 72 Ryan Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org/donate). A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 12:30 p.m.in Wildwood Cemetery, Gardner. All those attending are asked to follow the social distancing guidelines and to wear masks. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com Mack Family Funeral Homes – Lamoureaux-Smith & Poliks Chapel, 105 Central St., Gardner is assisting with arrangements.