Dorothy M. Nietzel

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.