Viva Doucette

1924 - 2021

Viva Nelle Doucette, 96

Sterling/Leominster - Viva Nelle (Harris) Doucette, 96, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. She was born in Medford as the daughter of Vernon R. and Ellen C. (Butterick) Harris and had lived most of her life in Sterling before moving to Leominster in 1994.

Her loving husband of 38 years, Richard L. Doucette, Sr. (USAF, Ret), passed away in 1982. She leaves her four children: Richard L. Doucette, Jr. (USN-Seabees veteran) of Leominster; David A. Doucette (USAF, Ret) of Goldvein, VA; Ellen F. Doucette of Leominster; and Jeremiah E. Doucette and his wife Susan of Abingdon, VA; five grandchildren: Tawnya Singleton and her husband Brian, Danielle Doucette-Hardy and her husband Jeremy, Ellisse Doucette (Army veteran) and her partner Norm, Arianne Doucette and her partner David, and Brittany Doucette and her partner Ron; four great-grandchildren: Macie Frazier, Preston Frazier, and Vienne and Stella Doucette-Hardy; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Viva graduated from Medford High School and attended college before she became a devoted caregiver and mother. She was a member of the Hiram O. Taylor American Legion Women's Auxiliary Post 189, the Daughters of the American Revolution - Capt. John Joslin Jr. Chapter, and the Sterling Historical Society. She was also a member of the Women's Fellowship, a Deaconess and Deacon Emerita at the First Church in Sterling.

In her memory, donations can be given to the Sterling Historical Society or the Hiram O. Taylor American Legion Post 189 in Sterling.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions and for everyone's safety, a graveside service will be scheduled for later this spring. Arrangements are under the care of the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. To share a memory or offer an online condolence, please visit

www.milesfuneralhome.com