Marie Adeline "Nellie" Poirier, formerly of Shirley

Shirley - Marie Adeline (Allain) “Nellie” Poirier, 97, formerly of Shirley, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Nellie was the daughter of Edmund and Sophie (Doiron) Allain, born November 22, 1927 in Acadieville, New Brunswick, Canada. She was a middle sister of 12 children and always reflected fondly on her childhood at her family’s farm. While living in Canada she worked with several family members at the famous Marven’s Biscuits in Moncton before emigrating to Massachusetts in 1964. Known to most as “Mèmére”, a French term of endearment for grandmother, she rocked as many kids to sleep as she quieted with a stink-eye in church. She was most happy spending time with family and keeping her visitors cozy and comfortable. Mèmére was known for her humor and love of country music, sweet treats, hot tea and the thrill of a scratch ticket. She was a devout Catholic throughout her life and prayed the rosary faithfully. Nellie is survived by three daughters: Georgette Pulsifer and her husband, Doug, of Lunenburg; Louise Morris of Leominster; and Anne Poirier and her husband, Julio Martinez, of Winchester, NH. She also leaves behind two sons: Paul Poirier and his wife, Bonnie, of Gardner; and Joseph Poirier and his wife, Marlene, of Lunenburg. Additionally, Nellie is survived by her sister, Ronalda Gallant; her brother, Abraham Allain; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, many of whom she deeply appreciated for their continued connections and visits during her later years. She is predeceased by her beloved daughter and best friend, Lucille Friedrich, and son-in-law Randy Friedrich of Shirley and nine of her siblings. Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 18 at 11 AM in Saint Anthony of Padua Church, 14 Phoenix St., Shirley. Burial will be held privately in the spring in the Village Cemetery in Shirley. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: The Alzheimer’s Association, C/O The Highlands Attn: Dawn Mason 335 Nichols Rd. Fitchburg, MA 01420 The Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Rd., Ayer is assisting with the funeral arrangements. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at The Highlands, Fitchburg and the emergency and hospice teams at Healthalliance-Clinton Hospital in Leominster for the compassionate love and care they’ve provided for Mèmére - and all of their patients every day. A video recording of Nellie's funeral Mass can be found at the link below. https://my.gather.app/remember/marie-nellie-poirier

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Marie Adeline "Nellie" Poirier, formerly of Shirley

November 22, 1927 - December 18, 2024