Marilyn O. Nielsen

Nielsen, Marilyn Oldroyd, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died after an extended illness on Friday, September 26 in Tustin, California, surrounded by her family. She was 85 and had been suffering from frontal lobe dementia.

Nielsen, a long-time resident of Newport Beach, California, is the daughter of Merrill Lee Oldroyd and Lola Davada Olson of Payson, Utah, where she was raised. She is a graduate of Brigham Young University, where she served as that university's first-ever "Belle of the Y." In the early 1950s she was a Flight Attendant with United Airlines. From 1955 until the time of her passing she was married to Thomas H. Nielsen of Fullerton, California. Marilyn, a descendent of Mormon pioneers, known to family and friends as Mar Mar, is remembered for her loving and magnanimous nature, her wicked sense of humor and her joyous approach to life. She was a prominent supporter of many groups and causes. Nielsen is survived by her husband, Thomas Harold Nielsen of Newport Beach; her brothers, John Jay Oldroyd and Mark Lee Oldroyd; her sons, Peter and John Nielsen; her daughter, Kirsten Nielsen Nilsson; 10 grandchildren and 5 great-children.

Viewing at the Pacific View Mortuary, 3500 Pacific View Drive on Thursday, October 2, from 6 to 8 pm. Viewing at 9 am and Funeral Services at 10 am at Newport Beach Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Chapel, 2900 Bonita Canyon Road.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Summer at the Center, the Bowers Museum and the Pacific Chorale.

Arrangements under the direction of Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary FD1176, Corona Del Mar, CA.