Louise Mae Nielsen

LOUISE MAE NIELSEN

Louise Mae Nielsen (Mom, Grandma. MaMa, Grandmama), age 96, passed away Thursday morning, January 20, 2022, in Troy, MI with her family nearby.

She was born August 20,1925 in Churches Ferry, North Dakota, a daughter of the late Lawrence M. Carlson and Mabel Carlson (Thompson) and later Sievert Thompson.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Ralph J. Nielsen, whom she affectionately called Bud and her brother Lyle Carlson.

She was a homemaker and an active member of the PTA. She enjoyed reading, following her favorite sports teams (both Los Angeles & Detroit) and baking the most amazing Christmas Sugar Cookies ever (a tradition that will continue for generations)! She even found time to help run an apartment complex early on in her and Bud’s retirement. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and her great grandchildren. In addition to living in her birthplace of North Dakota, she spent a good chunk of her life in Southern California before moving with Bud to Metro Detroit in the early 90’s.

Louise is survived by three siblings; Joyce Wilson, Roger Carlson and Marcene Grant, two daughters and two sons-in-law, Sandra Louise Lyon (Charles); Margo Ann Pizziketti (Frank) one son and one daughter-in-law, Ralph John Nielsen (Lori); six grandchildren; Wade Heidner (Tracey), Glenn Heidner (Kris), Frank Pizziketti (Bronwyn), Tamra Strombeck (Joe), Dan Dias (Crystal) and Hayley Nielsen and nine great grandchildren; Rhys, Cora, Ruby, Joey, Miri, Mallory, Frankie, Talia, and William. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews along with many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her.

"If you learn to love, then you might love life"--She did both!

A memorial service will be held in the coming months in accordance with Louise’s wishes.

We ask for no flowers or tributes to be sent to the family, but instead donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or t o donate by check, please send to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001. Checks should be made payable to “Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.”