Shirley (Nickerson) Gale

Shirley N. Gale Athol – Shirley (Nickerson) Gale, 93 of Old Keene Road, died Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at the Quabbin Valley Healthcare.      Shirley was born in Athol, MA on December 12, 1920, the daughter of Sidney E. and Hattie E. (Nelson) Nickerson.  She grew up and has lived in Athol all of her life, graduating from Athol High School in 1938, and has lived in her home on Old Keene Road since 1954.      Shirley worked for the Town of Athol from 1970 to 1983, in the Town Clerk’s Office and Assessor’s office as Assistant Assessor.  She had previously worked at the L. S. Starrett Company from 1940 to 1950.      She has been a member of the Athol-Orange Baptist Church since 1932, was active in many church activities including, the Missions Committee and the FA HO LO women’s group.  Shirley was very active in musical circles as a contralto soloist at the Athol-Orange Baptist Church, the Athol Congregational Church and Rollstone Congregational Church of Fitchburg.  She also sang with the ATOGA/GARATHO choruses under the direction of the late Helen Quigley, (with whom she studied), The Dana Vesper Choir under the direction of the late Harold Brown, the Leonard Gaskins Chorale, The Athol Musicale and the Quabbin Valley Pro Musica as well as many guest appearances with other choruses in the central Mass. Area.  She also enjoyed ten pin bowling.      She leaves a son, Brian L. Gale and his wife Linda of Warwick, a daughter, Karen S. Bulbuk and her husband John of Athol; grandsons, Justin N. Gale and Darren A. Gale; great-granddaughters, Emily A. Gale and Olivia A. Gale.  She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Lawrence C. Gale, who died December 1, 2010, and a brother, Calvin S. Nickerson, who died on October 13, 2014.      A memorial service will be held Sunday, November 9, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. at the Athol-Orange Baptist Church, Church and Walnut Streets, Athol with the Rev. Mark D. Bariloni, pastor officiating. There are no calling hours, and burial will be in Silver Lake Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions in Shirley’s name be made to: the Athol-Orange Baptist Church, “Memorial Fund”, 131 Ridge Ave., Athol, MA  01331.  Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main St., Athol is directing arrangements.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to: www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com.   $(document).ready(function(){ });