Phyllis I. Niemela

Phyllis I. Niemela (Philbin), 77, known affectionately to family and friends as "Sarah" passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at Maplewood Nursing Home, Westmoreland, N H. under the care of her family, the Maplewood staff and HCS Hospice of Keene, NH. Sarah was born April 23, 1936 to Phyllis (Wolski) Philbin Havener and Thomas Philbin in Boston, MA. Sarah attended schools in the greater Boston area. She married Arnold E. Niemela in 1955.

Sarah is survived by her children, Douglas Niemela and his wife Julia of Fairfield, CA; Heidi Niemela Thomas and her husband Sturdy Thomas of Dublin, NH; Holly Niemela-Payen and her husband Edouard Payen of Paris, France; Gregory Niemela and his wife Laura of Keene, NH; her nine grandchildren, Shiloh and Tristan; Andrew and John; Olivia and Anya and Charlotte, Lily and Cyrus. Sarah’s siblings include Judy Beedle, Stanley Philbin, Laurie Philbin, Jane Blanchard and Ann Page.

The family would like especially to thank Maplewood Nursing Home and all the caring staff there. At the families request there will be a private memorial service.