Nellie Joyce Wilson

WINCHENDON – Nellie Joyce Wilson, formerly of Baldwinville and Winchendon, passed away at home with her son and daughter-in-law, Thursday, August 4, 2016, after bravely battling a long illness.

She was born on October 13, 1944 in Corbin, Kentucky, daughter of the late Flora Mae (Lockhart) Wilson and Claybourne Sherman Wilson.

After working as a teacher, Nellie stayed home to raise her children and foster children, and to provide care for her parents.  She was very active in the church, a librarian, worked with the Girl and Boy Scouts, and assisted with school activities.  When she returned to work, she greatly enjoyed being a speech therapist assistant at the Templeton Developmental Center, where she made lasting friendships with both her co-workers and her clients.

Nellie returned to Corbin for several years before returning to live with her children, making new friends and touching the lives of those in her church, community and family.

Nellie’s life was guided by her strong faith, patient selflessness and love for her family.

She is survived by her three children, Sherry Rajaniemi-Gregg of Ashburnham, Kenneth Rajaniemi and his wife Tanisha Rajaniemi of Deering, NH and Melanie Rajaniemi and her partner Raymond Jackson of Athol.  Nellie also leaves behind a brother, Walter Raymond Wilson; eight grandchildren, Christopher Rajaniemi, Alex Ruschioni, Keyana Gregg, Nicholas Ruschioni, Francine Rajaniemi, Aydrian Gregg, Liam Gregg and Charlotte Gregg, as well as one great grandchild, Logan Ruschioni.

Services will be held Thursday, August 11th at 7 P.M. in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon.  Calling hours will be held Thursday from 5 to 7 P.M, preceding the service.

A later service will be held at Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home in Corbin, Kentucky.

Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472.

www.stone-ladeau.com