Shirley A. Nicholson Pietila, 80, of Waldoboro, passed away April 7 at her home. Shirley recently celebrated her birthday, the first week of March at two open houses in her home, with over 100 family and friends present.
She was born in Methuen, Mass., the daughter of the late Arthur and Asenath Hargraves Nicholson.
She was a 1946 graduate of Edward F. Searles High School in Methuen, Mass. and graduated from the medical secretary course at The McIntosh Business School in Lawrence, Mass, in 1947.
In her early years Shirley traveled to Maine for summer vacations on Wells Beach, picnicking at Pemaquid Beach when staying with friends in Waldoboro, and in the 1940’s, coming to her family’s summer home in Waldoboro. This is where Shirley met her future husband, Onni Pietila. They had their first date after working together in the Waldoboro blueberry fields. On April 30, 1949 Shirley and Onni were married at Shirley’s family church, the Ebenezer Primitive Methodist Church in Methuen, Mass. They had celebrated 48 years of marriage before Onni passed away on April 4, 1998.
Their two children were born in the south while Onni served in the U.S. Air Force in the 1950’s in Georgia and Texas. Shirley and Onni eventually moved back to Maine and in 1960 they bought Onni’s childhood home in Waldoboro.
She was employed as a bookkeeper at the Waldoboro Garage from 1949 thru 1952 and worked as a medical secretary to Dr. Richard D. Waterman from 1965 until her retirement in 1987.
Since 1960 she was an active member of the Waldoboro United Methodist Church. In the 60’s she taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. In more recent years she was active with Dare to Care and Martha’s Helpers.
She was a Den Mother, Girl Scout Leader, PTA treasurer and a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star #16.
In the 60’s and 70’s she belonged to the Thursday Morning Housewives’ Bowling League and for the past 18 years enjoyed being part of a scrabble group where she made many friends.
She was a founding member of the Odds and Ends Club of East Waldoboro and blessed with friendships since 1950. She attended the 57th annual anniversary meeting in September.
She was an avid Red Sox fan who loved attending games with organized bus trips from Waldoboro to Boston. She enjoyed working in her yard and gardens, embroidering and playing bridge.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Onni A. Pietila, 1998; sister, Lois Nicholson Dyer; brothers, Earl G. and Arthur J. Nicholson; and nephew, Dwight A. Nicholson.
Survivors include her son, Russell O. Pietila of Waldoboro; daughter, Linda S. Pietila Parenteau and husband Stephen R. Parenteau of Windham; grandchildren, Sara R. and Marshall V. Parenteau of Windham; and several nieces and nephews.
A time of visitation 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Thurs., April 10 at the Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
A celebration of Shirley’s life 11 a.m., Fri., April 11 at the Waldoboro United Methodist Church in Waldoboro with the Rev. Beverly Blaisdell officiating. Burial will follow in Shuman Cemetery, Waldoboro.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Shirley’s memory to Waldoboro United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 354, Waldoboro, ME 04572 or to Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice House Fund, Kno-Wal-Lin, 170 Pleasant St., Rockland, ME 04841.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
