We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Thelma May Naugle Nielsen. Collecting stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Click on the heart to let us know you were here and sign the guest book. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
OBITUARY
On Friday July 8, 2022 in the wee hours Thelma peacefully passed after a year of illness, pain and dementia. She was 81.My Mom wanted to be remembered for being a kind caring human who did the best she could. She was proud of us and our loving care of each other and ability to divide duties and careneeds. Dave and I are a very good team, always have been and when it was time to advocate for Mom’s needs we had an equal sharing of the... see moreOn Friday July 8, 2022 in the wee hours Thelma peacefully passed after a year of illness, pain and dementia. She was 81.
My Mom wanted to be remembered for being a kind caring human who did the best she could. She was proud of us and our loving care of each other and ability to divide duties and careneeds. Dave and I are a very good team, always have been and when it was time to advocate for Mom’s needs we had an equal sharing of the load according to each of our strengths and weaknesses. She loved us both fiercely.
My Mom was an RN in the operating room at what used to be the Josephine Memorial Hospital in Grants Pass, OR until she retired at age 60 in 2001. She LOVED her job and was proud of it. She knew as a child that being a nurse was her calling and she was dedicated.
She also loved being a grandmother to 10 grandchildren, was a prolific reader and crafter. She loved country and gospel music and the shopping channels on cable and growing roses. She was a kick in the pants and showed her love by good natured teasing.“I am just giving you a bad time” she would say. She always came through and showed up. We love you Mama, and you are already missed.
Thelma May Nielsen is survived by her sister Naomi O’Mara, brother Robert Naugle and his wife Shirley, her son David Nielsen, his wife Lori and their children, Olivia, Holly, Emma, Sarah, Connor and Natalie, her daughter Deborah Nielsen Ice Thornton and her children Dylan, Jacob, Indigo and Allurah.
Love and miss you grandma Nana! It was so nice visiting you more recently when you were closer. You were always so kind and fun to spend time with. It was nice to catch up on stories about dad from when he was growing up and to learn more about your... moreLove and miss you grandma Nana! It was so nice visiting you more recently when you were closer. You were always so kind and fun to spend time with. It was nice to catch up on stories about dad from when he was growing up and to learn more about your life. You were so loved and will be missed ❤️ less
I miss you mom! I used to visit often when we were able to finally get you moved up to Wilsonville from southern Oregon. It was fun to always catch up and chat. You would talk about your work as a nurse and would always say “ I would still be working... moreI miss you mom! I used to visit often when we were able to finally get you moved up to Wilsonville from southern Oregon. It was fun to always catch up and chat. You would talk about your work as a nurse and would always say “ I would still be working if my body would have allowed it!” You loved what you did. You were always reading and doing puzzles on your computer. You always asked about family and checked in on Lori and I and the Kids and what they were up to. I always appreciated what you did for us growing up. Cooking and keeping our house in order and always running me around to all the activities I was in. You supported and loved us so well! It was harder for you towards the end because your crooked back made it difficult to get around. But you never lost your sense of humor! Thank you for everything mom!! I love you dearly less
Thelma in an important photograph with 5 generations of women in our family! Thelma, Ruth(her mother),Deb, Dylan and Gertrude (Thelma's Grandmother, Ruth's Mother)
Another 5 generation photo with Thelma's son Dave, and his two daughters Olivia and Holly.