Nellie Isabelle Nilsen

Nellie Isabelle Nilsen, 95, passed away after a brief illness at her home in Portland, Maine on March 31, 2017. She was born in West Clifford, Nova Scotia, Canada on January 30, 1922. Nellie was the daughter of Joseph and Blanche Thompson and was the youngest of 13 children. In 1940 during World War II she and her sisters emigrated from Canada to Boston where they attended nursing school. There she met her future husband, Charles, who was on active duty with the Norwegian Merchant Marines. After the war the two spent a brief period in Norway before returning to the United States and settling in Portland, Maine. Together they raised four children while Nellie also worked part time as a nurse. Nellie was predeceased by her husband who died in 2007, and by her 12 siblings. She is survived by her children, Eva Nilsen and husband Eric Blumenson, Thor Nilsen and wife Cindy, Eric Nilsen and wife Lynn Rollf, and Gloria Nilsen. She is also survived by grandchildren Arne Nilsen, Anna Nilsen, Kristen Nilsen, Claire Blumenson, and Kevin Blair. In addition to her children and grandchildren Nellie was a devoted aunt to many nieces and nephews. All are grateful for her sharing with them her unrelenting optimism and her love of nature. Honoring her request, all services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Those desiring may make memorial contributions in her name to the Maine Audubon, 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, ME 04105