February 26, 2021
Nietzel, Dorothy M.
Dorothy Mae Nietzel, 89, resident of Walpole for 24 years, formerly of Dedham, passed away Monday, February 22, 2021 at her home. Born May 15, 1931, Dorothy was the daughter of Henry and Minnie Dahlquist. She was raised in Dorchester by her parents, her Uncle Al and her Grandmother Elizabeth. After graduating from Dorchester High School, she proudly worked as a secretary for Salada Tea Company and eventually at Lechmere. In 1951, she married the love of her life, Oscar Nietzel, and they enjoyed 58 years together until his passing in 2010. She was deeply devoted to him and to all of her family and loved ones. She will be remembered for being an exceptionally loving and caring person to all she met. Dorothy was a member of Allin Congregational Church in Dedham. Throughout her life she also participated in several clubs. She was a member of Contentment Chapter of the Order of The Eastern Star, Dedham DeMolay Mothers’ Club and the Fairbanks Garden Club. She was proud of her Swedish heritage and traditions, celebrating with and passing them on to her grandchildren. Arts and crafts were one of Dorothy’s greatest passions. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, needlepoint, ceramics, craft painting, flower arranging, decorating and more. In her later years she added coloring books and puzzles to her repertoire. While known as Dorothy, she preferred being called Nana, as she cherished her time spent with her granddaughters, Nicole and Andrea. Even her loyal companion and grand-dog Koki recognized the command, “Go to Nana,” and would sit faithfully by Nana’s side, wherever she was. Her other grand-dog, Mochi would occasionally join in the fun. Dorothy is survived by her two sons, Steven and his wife Denise, of Walpole and Mark and his wife Karen, of Franklin; two granddaughters, Nicole Nietzel and Andrea Nietzel both of Franklin; dear cousins, Ruth McCue and Barbara Mahn; brother & sister-in-law, Bob and Barbara Payne, and sister-in-law Helen Deatcher, as well as many nieces and nephews. Dorothy’s memorial and burial services will be private. She will be interred at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Dorchester. Donations to the VNA Hospice of Needham, 254 2nd Avenue #200, Needham, MA 02494, in lieu of flowers would be appreciated.
Comments(12)
She was a sweet and loving little lady! I so enjoyed my visits with her while at their home. I still have and use the ceramic Christmas tree that she made for me in 1977! It survived the move with me to Oklahoma and proudly sits in my kitchen window each Christmas! I know she is reunited with Oscar and all is great with her now!❤️
“Mum” Nietzel will always be remembered for her bright, sparkly smile and joyful laughter, her love of family, friends and pets, her generosity, kindness and sweet disposition. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Our thoughts are with Steven, Mark and their families at this sad time, but rejoice in knowing that she is finally “home” with her Heavenly family.
God bless you Dot.
You were blessed with an amazing family and friends who loved you so.
Eternal love and peace.
Steven, Denise and Dorothy’s family. I am so sorry to hear of Dorothy’s passing. I remember her as being so delightful, lovely and happy chatting in your kitchen when you had us over. You and your family took such wonderful and exceptional care of her over these last years so she could remain at home. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Carole Sullivan
Our condolences on Dorothy’s passing. She was a part of the “neighborhood” of Rob’s childhood, and a fellow member of Allin Church when we were raising our family in Dedham.
Susie and Rob Akie
Steve and Mark, so sorry to hear about you moms passing. I can still remember your house in Dedham and your mom always taking care of us and making sure we had snacks and drinks when we would be playing games in the basement. She was a great friend to my mom and I know you will miss her. May the Lord bless and comfort you at this time of her passing.
Mark & Family,
so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom / Nana.
Seems she lived a long and joyful life, which is a blessing.
Many Hugs, Joe & Melissa
This poem was recited by Steven Nietzel & Mark Nietzel at the end of the Order of DeMolay Flower Talk and was treasured by Dorothy Nietzel and all Demolay Mothers.
The Mother’s Watch
She never closed her eyes in sleep till we were all in bed,
And on party nights, till we came home, she often sat and read.
We little thought about it then for we were young at play,
Just how much momma worried when we children were away.
We only knew she never slept, and when we were out at night,
That she waited just to know that we’d all come home all right.
Why sometimes when we’d stay away till one or two or three,
It seemed to us that momma heard the turning of the key.
For always when we’d step inside she’d call and we’d reply,
But we were all too young back then to understand the reason why.
Until the last one had returned she’d always keep a light,
For momma couldn’t sleep until she’d kissed us all goodnight.
She had to know that we were safe before she went to rest,
For she seemed to fear the world might harm the ones she loved the best.
And once she said, “When you are grown to women and to men,
Perhaps I’ll sleep the whole night through; I may be different then.”
And so it seemed that night and day, we knew a mother’s care,
That always when we got back home, we’d find her waiting there.
Then came the night when we were called to gather round her bed,
“The children are all with you now,” the kindly doctor said.
And in her eyes there gleamed again that old time tender light,
That told that she’d been waiting just to know we were all right.
She smiled that old familiar smile, and prayed to God to keep,
Her children safe from harm throughout the years,
And then, she went to sleep.
Steve amd Mark so sorry to hear of your moms passing she was a wondeful person and ahe will be missed she was there for me at my WA installation helping my mom with every little detail to make it special which she was. God bless
Steven & Mark, I’m saddened to hear from your Mom’s passing. I remember well many of the post installation gatherings with her and your dad when we were all lot younger. I have often wished we could return to those ealier times. May she rest well.
So very sorry for your Mom’s passing. She was in my class at Dorchester, High. I also took tap dancing lesson with her. Your Dad spent time in Iceland with my Husband. Bless you.
My one and only cousin, Dottie. Will certainly miss our chats and all of her kindnesses and thoughtfulness.