Greta Nielsen Rikard

Greta Nielsen Rikard, 99, of Salem, died peacefully on June 11, 2015. She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Erikke Nielsen; her sister, Edele Holtz; and her husband, James Andrew Rikard. She is survived by her daughters, Susan Slater (Rich) and Sally Camp (Roy Scherer) and her son, Peter Rikard (Susie); three grandchildren, Nielsen, Erica, and Jessica; six great-grandchildren; sister Inga (George), and nephews Tony (Dina) and Paul. Greta was born on May 20, 1916, in Brookline, MA, the oldest daughter of Danish parents Peter and Erikke. She was the first person in her family to be born in the United States. She attended Framingham State Teachers' College and graduated in 1935 at the age of 19. She was married on December 25, 1937, to James Rikard, and the family moved to Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. She worked as the director of a daycare center in Canada. After eight years, they returned to the States to live in Salem, VA. Greta continued her professional life in Virginia in 1950 as a social worker for the Roanoke office of the Children's Home Society of Virginia. She served there for almost 28 years, the last few as its director. During that time, she was instrumental in bringing public health services to the Roanoke area. At a time when pregnant teenagers were not allowed to attend public school, she started a school program for these young women, involving both academic study and a focus on health and well-being. Although Greta retired in 1978, her skills were still in demand. Following the Roanoke flood in November 1985, she was asked to return to work, using her social work intake skills to help survivors. She ended her career by working until her 90th birthday at RAM (Roanoke Area Ministries), again as a social worker. Greta was a member of College Lutheran Church for almost 70 years. She taught Sunday school, served on the Church Council, and helped start the church food pantry and clothes closet. Following in the footsteps of her father, who painted, Greta sculpted, painted, and treasured every opportunity to be immersed in art. The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 from 6-8 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2015 at 10 a.m. at College Lutheran Church. A graveside service will follow at East Hill Cemetery, followed by a reception at the church. Contributions in Greta's memory may be made to College Lutheran Church, 210 S. College Ave., Salem, VA 24153. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.Visitation

Wednesday, June 17th, 2015 6:00pm - 8:00pm,

John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home

305 Roanoke Blvd Salem, VA 24153

Service Information

Thursday, June 18th, 2015 10:00am,

College Lutheran Church

210 South College Avenue Salem, Virginia 24153

Interment Location

East Hill Cemetery

Main St. Salem, VA