NEW IPSWICH — Shirley A. Niskala, 82, of Goen Road, died Dec. 20, 2009, at Monadnock Community Hospital, Peterborough, after a period of failing health.

She was born in Jaffrey on Jan. 17, 1927, the daughter of Andrew and Marion (Cook) Antilla.

She was raised in Jaffrey, graduated from Conant High School and shortly after her marriage she moved to New Ipswich where she lived until this date.

She had worked for a small period of time as a spinner at Warwick Mills in New Ipswich. Mostly she was a homemaker who she enjoyed taking care of her family.

She was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary for the former American Legion of New Ipswich. She was a member of the Mascenic Valley Senior Citizens of New Ipswich, for which she was treasurer for many years. She was a member of the New Ipswich Congregational Church. She had attended the Children’s Fair committee sponsored by the church for many years. She headed the rummage table and also made various candies, including her famous fudge for the candy table.

Mrs. Niskala enjoyed many crafts such as making stock monkeys and quilts for various family and friends.

She also enjoyed cooking and gardening and was especially fond of her flowers. She also made Christmas wreaths and roping at Christmas for many years.

Her husband Veikko W. Niskala died in October 1987.

She is survived by two sons, Arthur W. (Carol) Niskala of Gilford and Ed V. (Ann) Niskala of Jaffrey; a daughter, Susan N. (James) Wasilewski of Troy; four grandchildren; three great grandchildren; three sisters, Barbara Lehtonen of New Ipswich, Gwendolyn Niskala of Jaffrey and Ruth Johnson of Warrensburg, N.Y.; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides her husband she was pre-deceased by an infant son, Edward Andrew Niskala and a brother Andrew Antilla.

There are no calling hours. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, Dec. 23, at 1 p.m. in the New Ipswich Congregational Church with the Rev. Peter G. Wood Pastor, officiating.

Burial will follow in the Smithville Cemetery, New Ipswich.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Ipswich Congregational Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 141, New Ipswich, NH 03071.

The Fournier Funeral Home, 12 High St., Greenville, is in charge of arrangements.