Jacqueline A. (kitson) Gardella

Atkinson, NH: Jacqueline A. (Kitson) Gardella, 76, a resident of Atkinson since 1959, died on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at Wingate Nursing Home in Haverhill, MA.

Born, raised, and educated in Haverhill, daughter of the late Nicholas and Irene (Vovulus) Kitson, she graduated from Haverhill High School with the Class of 1956. She served on the Class Reunion Committee for many years.

Mrs. Gardella was first employed as a clerk for the former Haverhill Rubber Company, then as an x-ray technician for the Parkman Clinic in Plaistow, and later for Massachusetts Electric. She was most recently employed as office manager of Exeter Hampton Electric Company and later worked in the Exeter office for Unitil, from where she retired. Following her retirement, Mrs. Gardella went back to school to become a certified massage therapist.

Mrs. Gardella was a member of Atkinson Congregational Church, where she served on the Memorial Committee. She was also a member of the Atkinson Historical Society, the Garden Club, and Friends of the Kimball Library. Mrs. Gardella was both philanthropic and caring and volunteered her time for Merrimack Valley Hospital.

A loving wife and mother, she was devoted to her pets, Pumpkin Tiger Cat, Hobo, and Nickie. Active for much of her life, Mrs. Gardella enjoyed Tai-Chi, yoga, walking, biking, gardening, and cooking. Known for her great sense of humor and quick wit, she also enjoyed spending time with family and friends, attending Greek and Cultural Festivals, and bird watching. Her favorite places to visit were Rye Beach, Cranmore Mountain, where she enjoyed skiing, York's Animal Kingdom, and her uncle's camp, and the family farm in Nova Scotia.

She is survived by her loving husband of fifty-five years, Richard A. "Dick" Gardella, her son, Richard A. "Rick" Gardella, Jr., of Kingston, her daughter, Melissa A. Gardella-Godbout and her husband Christopher Godbout of Atkinson, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her brother, Peter Kitson.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Mrs. Gardella's Life Celebration on Monday, September 15, 2014 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main Street, Route 121A, Plaistow, NH. Her funeral will take place on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at 10 a.m. at Atkinson Congregational Church, 101 Main Street, Atkinson, NH. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Atkinson Senior Trust, Atkinson Town Hall, Attn: Barbara Snicer, 21 Academy Avenue, Atkinson, NH. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website, www.brooksidechapelfh.com.

"A Life Celebration Home"