Rita Amanda Niall

Rita Amanda (Powers) Niall, 89, of Athol, formerly of Templeton, died peacefully, Tuesday, March 23, 2021, in Quabbin Valley Healthcare, Athol, after an illness.

Born in Gardner on November 2, 1931, she was the daughter of the late William T. and Amanda (Mailloux) Powers. Rita was a Dietary Aide employed by the former Eastwood Pines Nursing Home and Leo P. LaChance Center of Gardner for 20-years until her retirement in 1994. She was previously a clerk employed by Gerroirs on Parker Street of Gardner for several years.

Rita was a parishioner of Annunciation Parish/ Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church of Gardner. She loved to go on trips with Wilson Bus Line and read—her favorites being mystery and western books. But the time that Rita adored and treasured the most was spent with her family.

Rita is survived by her four sons, David M. Niall and his wife Linda of Templeton, Gary T. Niall of Orange, Peter P. Niall and his wife Diana of Orange, and Michael S. Niall and his wife Adrianne of Fitchburg; nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband of 28-years, Herbert “Buster” Niall; two sisters, Theresa Fontaine and Lorraine Charland; and two brothers, William T. Powers and Francis Powers.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, March 29, 2021, with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Annunciation Parish at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA 01440. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA.

A Calling Hour will be private.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Annunciation Parish, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA 01440, or to Holy Family Academy, 99 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA 01440. Please reference in memory of Rita A. Niall.