Thelma C. (Pienimaa) Duncan

Needham- Thelma C. (Pienimaa) Duncan, 83, formerly of Rouville Ave., Gardner, died Saturday, February 22 at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham, MA. She was born in Gardner on August 8, 1930.  Her parents were Aino (Kyto) Pienimaa and Kalle Pienimaa.  Thelma grew up on a farm in Westminster and graduated from Fitchburg High with the class of 1948 and the Burbank Hospital School of Nursing. She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Robert T. Duncan, who died in 2012. She leaves two daughters, Catherine Pray and her husband Robert Pray of Medfield, MA and Cynthia Bradley and her husband Quentin Bradley of Burlington, CT; four grandchildren, Christopher Pray and his wife Courtney Pray of Colchester, CT, Cory Pray and his fiancé Tara Mead of Charlestown, MA, Ian Bradley and Kelly Bradley of Burlington, CT; and two great grand daughters, Chelsea Pray and Quinn Pray. Thelma worked for a number of years as a school nurse in Gardner, retiring in 1990. In retirement, Thelma and Bob enjoyed spending winters at Myrtle Beach, SC and traveling the globe visiting thirty-five countries.  Thelma was very proud of her Finnish heritage, wrote and spoke Finish fluently, and kept in contact with Finnish cousins and friends. Calling hours will be held from the Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon St., Gardner, MA on Thursday, February 27, 2014 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.  A private memorial service and burial will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations in Thelma’s name be made to: The Salvation Army 739 Water Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420 or may be left at the funeral home. To send an online condolence, please visit our website at: www.mackfuneralhome.com. Mack Funeral Home 91 Vernon Street, Gardner is directing the arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });