Marlene Nilsen

Marlene C. Nilsen sadly passed away on Friday, April 19, 2024 at the age of 92.  She was a mother of three and grandmother of four.  While maintaining special friendships throughout her life, none was greater than her husband John.

Marlene enjoyed several interests including history, art, medicine, cooking, gardening, and travel, but probably none more than reading (and keeping) her beloved New York Times while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee and maybe some Scottish shortbread.

She leaves behind three children: Susan Nilsen Muehleisen and Keith her husband, Keith Graham Nilsen and Laura his wife, and Leslie Gwen Porter and Cory her husband. Additionally, Marlene had four grandchildren: Katie Keith (Jordan), Jack Muehleisen, Ryan Nilsen and Brett Nilsen of whom she loved dearly and was always interested in what they were pursuing.

Marlene was born in Quincy, Massachusetts and loved the northeast, traveling there yearly to celebrate anniversaries and visit museums, art galleries and historical sites while enjoying the Fall foliage. She was known to have a few fried clams and a glass of wine along the way.

Proud of her nursing studies and career prior to being a homemaker, Marlene attended Simmons College in Boston and graduated from the Buffalo General Hospital School of Nursing. She often and proudly spoke of her nursing background and was fascinated with reading articles and periodicals about modern medicine.

Marlene was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church and served as the Head of the Alter Guild for years.  A proud Episcopalian, she painted the front door of her home the color red, faithfully went to church and loved seeing new churches wherever she traveled.

Marlene met John in San Manuel (Tucson), Arizona which started a beautiful and romantic love story that continued for 56 years and beyond. We are comforted Marlene and John are reunited, and she is now at peace and seeking out new adventures together once again.

A private service will be held at Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery, Wilmington, Del.