With family by her side, Judy Nielsen passed away peacefully November 2, 2009 after a spirited battle with cancer.
She is survived by her mother May; sister Yvonne and brother Gary; two sons David and Dean Nielsen; daughter Michelle Larson, son-in-law Steve and four grandchildren, Luke, Olivia, Jake and Ben. She was preceded in death by her husband of over forty years, Doug Nielsen.
After spending most of her life living in the Burien area, she had recently purchased a home on Vashon so that she could spend as much time as possible with her grandchildren who were the lights of her life.
Judy drove a school bus in the Seattle area for over 20 years and truly enjoyed time spent with the kids. She loved to garden and spent many hours reclaiming and creating beautiful flower beds at her new Vashon home. She also loved to feed the wild birds and created habitat for them. Judy was an avid animal lover and always had many pets, especially dogs.
Since becoming an island resident she enjoyed a large extended island family of friends. She truly never met a stranger and many a fine conversation was shared over a cocktail on the deck. Judy recently celebrated her 65th birthday in September with a marvelous party attended by family and friends.
Judy enjoyed the small joys in every minute of every day and was always willing to try something new. Never to be deterred from a good party, when she was unable to walk, she went via piggy back giggling like a teenager. She was happiest spending time with her grandchildren who remember her fondly. Luke’s favorite memory of Grandma Judy was her LOVE of Granny’s Attic and how she would secretly take him shopping there and get him lots of cool stuff; Olivia’s favorite memory was how she was brave enough to ride her horse Honey even though she couldn’t walk; Jake’s favorite memory was Grandma always spoiling him rotten; and Ben always loved spending the night with Grandma whenever he wanted.
In honor of her life-long love for animals, remembrances
are suggested to Vashon Island Pet Protectors.
(paid obituary)
