James Niver & Edna Niver

Edna Lelle Niver

January 16, 1933 – January 03, 2023

Edna Lelle was born in NYC to immigrant parents from Estonia. She grew up in the Bronx, where her

father was a tradesman with Con-Edison and her mother was a seamstress and milliner for a fashion

house. Edna and her brother Philip spoke Estonian and Russian; it was not until grade school they would

learn English. Her parents embodied the immigrant spirit of hard work and dedication. They also

believed in the value of a good education. Edna was the first in her family to finish college, graduating

from Hunter College in NYC with a Bachelor of Science in 1955. Soon thereafter she completed an

internship and became a registered dietitian.

James Mellen Niver

January 8, 1933 – January 24, 2023

Born in NYC the only son of an only son of an only son. He was raised on West 88th St. and began his

education in public school. Noticed by his educators as an exceptional child, he was accepted to Trinity

School. Here he would flourish in both academics and the arts. He was a member of the Trinity Boys

Choir and most notably sang with the Metropolitan Opera in their performance of Carmen. He enjoyed

many summers in Peekskill, NY where his family had a summer cottage. Upon graduation from Trinity,

he attended Columbia University through the USMC ROTC program. He commissioned to the USMC in

1954.

Their Life Together

Jim and Edna met during college at a joint sorority/fraternity mixer. They were married December 20,

1954, at St. Paul’s Chapel, Trinity Church in NYC. As newlyweds they lived on West 88th Street with Jim’s

parents. Soon thereafter Jim deployed to Japan and Edna completed her internship at NY Hospital. Upon

return, Jim completed his education at Columbia University Engineering School and began his career at

Atlas Chemical Industries, Inc. in Pennsylvania. In 1956 he left active duty and remained in the reserves

for several years thereafter.

Jim and Edna started their family in 1958 and over the course of the next 7 years had 4 children. During

this time Jim joined IBM as an Industrial Engineer and moved the family to Kingston, NY. Here they were

both highly active in church, scouting, bridge club, book club, and other social activities. Edna was a very

resourceful mother and homemaker. In 1973 the Niver family, along with many other Yankee families

from Kingston, transferred to Raleigh to become part of the largest planned research center in the

United States, Research Triangle Park. After having tirelessly focused on her family for the formative

years, Edna became employed with WakeMed as their registered dietitian for the satellite hospital

system. Here she was employed for 20 years until her retirement in 1994. In retirement, Edna enjoyed

her time with grandchildren, sewing, and crafting. Likewise, Jim retired after 25 years with IBM in 1992.

During his employment, he received his master’s degree in Economics from NC State. For several years

in retirement, he taught statistics and computer training at NCSU. He was also involved in the Marine

Corps League Tar Heel Detachment #733 and Young Marines, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Jim and Edna were always aligned in humor, finances, and politics. Growing up during the Great

Depression, they understood uncertainty in a way that most do not. Edna sewed clothing for the

children (until they refused to wear them any longer), she cut their hair, and prepared a variety of

nutritious meals that her adult children’s spouses would later refuse to prepare, much less consume.

She was overall very resourceful in shepherding the family’s resources. They both loved their country

and understood the sacrifices required for freedom. Most recently when Edna would read or watch

current political opinions, news reports or current events, she would say “what’s with all the

complaining and everybody being offended and scared? We had Hitler growing up!” They were fiercely

loyal and committed to one another and their family. They enjoyed reading, history, and learning. Edna

loved gardening and all living things. She was always interested in what her loved ones were doing and

she “kept up” with what was going on not only in her world, but also had a keen interest in the world

around her. She received her first iPad on her eightieth birthday but was still amazed at the invention of

AM radio. Jim enjoyed telling a good joke, funny anecdote, or a long historical story and it did not

matter if it was your first time hearing it or the hundredth – oh, and it really didn't matter if you were

listening either. He was a kind and gentle soul.

We will miss them both and we are eternally grateful for their provision of a loving home, kindness,

comfort, humor, and stability to their children and grandchildren – a wonderful example for all of us to

follow and cherish.

Edna was preceded in death by her parents, Vilma, and Philip Lelle. She was survived by her husband of

68 years, James M. Niver; and brother, Philip Lelle. James was preceded in death by his parents,

Gertrude, and Norman F. Niver. Both are survived by sons, James H. Niver, Thomas C. Niver (Claire), and

John A. Niver; daughter, Laura N. Jones (Peter); grandchildren, AnneClaire Cleaver (Charles), Harper E.

Niver (Steve Prosyniuk), Virginia L. Niver, and Ethan H. Jones.

In memory of Edna and Jim, please consider donations to Autism Services, Inc. 1310H Corporation Pkwy Raleigh, NC 27610 “Glen Forest” in the memo line.