Nancy Nielsen, born April 1, 1929, passed away peacefully at 96 years of age on July 17, 2025. Known for her giving spirit, spiritual leanings, and unconditional love towards her family, Nancy was a true example of kindness. Her wisdom and intelligence made her a bright light in the lives of her family, friends, her community and the lives of her loved ones.

Nancy was a very gifted student and left high school a year early at the age of 16. She attended Asbury College, where her interest in human medicine began to flourish. She pursued her passion further by enrolling in pre-Med studies at the University of Buffalo, taking challenging courses such as Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry. By 1949, she had graduated and begun her training as a Medical Technician at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. She met the love of her life, Bert, in Detroit. They married in 1952.  Nancy and Bert enjoyed serving in churches, attending Red Wing hockey games, bowling, swimming, raising their 2 sons, spending time at their cottage on Higgins Lake with family, and at their co-op Cove Beach Club in Deerfield Beach Florida. They were an amazing couple and shared almost 40 years together before his passing in 1992. She loved spending time and having fun with her wonderful sisters Arline and Dorothy while traveling and staying together Indiana, New York, Florida, and Arizona. 

Nancy returned to her work at Henry Ford in the Genetics Research department in 1972 once her sons were grown. She worked in the lab on important updates in inheritable genetic diseases until she retired. However, for all her academic and career achievements, some of Nancy's greatest accomplishments were the lessons she passed on to those around her. Her teachings of love for God and Jesus Christ, love for each other, service to others, and the ability to enjoy life at every opportunity will echo through generations. Her favorite Bible verse was Rom 8:38-39 “ for I am absolutely convinced that nothing- nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable- absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way Jesus or Master has embraced us.” She is so very happy and joyful joining family and friends in her spiritual home now. 

Survived by her 2 sons, Jim Nielsen (Cindy), Bill Nielsen (Tami), grandchildren Kirsten Pickworth (Daniel),  Leslie Nielsen (Adam Phelps), Dana Nielsen (Rick Homan), Tim Nielsen, and Paul Nielsen (Ryan Dow), great grandchildren, Vera and Corbin.  She was preceded in death by her husband Bert Nielsen, her parents George and Addie Reilein, sisters, Arline Standley and Dorothy Bucaria, and brother, Robert Reilein.

Nancy Nielsen’s legacy is one of love, devotion, kindness, focus and intelligence. She believed firmly in the importance of family and the amazing nature of friendships. Her impact extends beyond her immediate family and friends and continues to guide those who cherish her memory. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

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