Gretna Rae Niemi

Gretna Rae Niemi, 77, died May 30th of natural causes at UMass Memorial Medical Center.

Gretna was born in Buffalo, New York on October 4, 1944. She was a graduate of Milford High School in 1962. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in psychology at Fitchburg State University and her Doctorate in psychology at UMass Amherst. She worked as a school psychologist from 1990 to 2015 and was adored by all her students and coworkers within the different districts she practiced. After retiring, she enjoyed taking part in her book club and monthly visits with her retired women’s group. She also had a strong passion for reading, painting, and spending time with her family.

Gretna is predeceased by her parents Carrie Doris McGrew and Laurence James Kinder. She is survived by her lifelong supporter and loving husband of fifty-nine years, Oliver E. Niemi Jr. of New Ipswich, NH, her daughter and son-in-law, Pamela and Bradley Brock, her son and daughter-in-law, John and Anna Maria Niemi, her sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen and John Allen, sister-in-law Fernande Niemi and many nieces and nephews. She treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren Adam Niemi, Evan Niemi, Carly Begin and husband Adam and her great grandchild Lucas Begin.

Gretna never failed to see the positive side or humor in situations despite battling multiple illnesses throughout her life. She remains an inspiration for strength and perseverance to all that were lucky enough to know her.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life service at the New Ipswich Congregational Church located at 156 Main St, New Ipswich, NH 03071 on July 22, 2022 at 9:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the New Ipswich Library, PO Box 320, New Ipswich, NH 03071 in her honor.