Nyola E. Vaillancourt

Nyola (Romanauskas) Vaillancourt, 85, a visionary educator and champion of Lithuanian heritage, passed away on December 22, 2025, at Emerson Hospital.

A pioneer in the Chelmsford Public Schools, Nyola helped transform the district’s Special Education department into a national model. In the 1960s, she combined her background in drama with her expertise as a speech pathologist to create innovative instructional television programming using puppetry, games, and song. As Department Chair, she dedicated her career to the sensitive integration of special needs students into mainstream classrooms, authoring thousands of educational plans that served as lifelines for local families.

Born in Lowell on December 15, 1940, Nyola was a proud alumna of Lowell High School and Boston University. In 1958, she married John “Jack” Vaillancourt; together, they hand-built their mid-century modern home in Groton and raised four children. Nyola vacationed as often as she could in Disney Parks and resorts with family and friends, as well as hosting multiple Disney Cruise family reunions.

Deeply connected to her roots, Nyola served as president of the DLKV Lithuanian Club Ladies Auxiliary and volunteered on teaching missions to Lithuania. She was the primary driving force behind the granite memorial at Lowell City Hall, honoring the Lithuanian immigrants who helped build the city.

In her later years, Nyola’s love for travel saw her organize group adventures through the Groton Senior Center, exploring Europe with friends and family. Following Jack’s passing in 2015, she found renewed companionship with Carl Sciple (Col. US Army, Ret.).

Nyola is survived by her children, Mark (Kathleen), Renee (Kerry), Erik (Lisa), and Kurt (Denise); ten grandchildren; her siblings, Robert and Ramona; and a large extended family. She was predeceased by her husband, Jack, and one grandson.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Nyola for a period of visitation on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, at the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King St., Littleton, MA. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with doors opening at 10:00 AM, at the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King St., Littleton. Nyola's burial will be held at a later date.

Arrangements under the care of the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King St., Littleton, MA. 978-486-3709, www.badgerfuneral.com