On August 5, 2023  Miriam Kivisalu, a vivacious and joyful believer in Jesus with a contagious passion for life and a genuine love for others, departed for her heavenly home surrounded by her beloved family.

Miriam was born in 1947 in Brooklyn, NY.  Daughter of the late Betty Drao and Phillip Acre she was a 1965 graduate of Richmond Hill High School, Queens, NY.  In the spring of 1969 Miriam graduated from Queens College with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and on June 28 of that same year she was united in marriage to her dearest love, the late Eino Kivisalu. The newlyweds settled in upstate New York where Miriam went on earn her Master's degree in Special Education from Syracuse University.

Miriam's passion for teaching and love for people was a theme throughout her life.  Her roles as a special education teacher, ESL instructor, homeschool mom, Sunday school director and resource room teacher brought her much joy and fulfillment. Her enthusiasm extended far beyond her work.  Miriam's deep love and connection with many types of people caused her farmhouse in Sauquoit to be a haven of warmth and acceptance. She possessed an incredible ability to connect with individuals and make them feel valued while also pursuing many other interests including gardening, reading, and writing.  Most of all Miriam would say her greatest joy was serving and loving Jesus and spending time with her family and friends.

Miriam is survived by two daughters and son in laws: Christina and Jarrod Matteson of Sauquoit, and Bethany and Ross Hickey of Scarborough, Maine, her brother Peter Drao and 7 beloved grandchildren.  A celebration of life will take place on Wednesday August  9, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. at  Calvary Gospel Church, 300 Main St., New York Mills, NY.  In lieu of flowers please donate to Love in Action Partners, Tijuana Mexico;  http: / /loveinactionpartners.org/ . Interment was in Crown Hill Memorial Park. There will be no calling hours. Donations in Miriam's name may be made to Pilgrim Camp, Brant Lake, NY. Arrangements are under the guidance of John L Matt Funeral Home, 3309 Oneida Street, Chadwicks, NY. To send an online greeting go to www.johnlmattfuneralhome.com