Dolores Marie Nielsen

She was born on August 1, 1928 in Orange New Jersey and was preceded in death by her husband of sixty years, Robert Nielsen; her parents, Timothy Vincent Kelly and Elizabeth Reif Kelly; and her brothers, Timothy and Richard.

Dolores graduated from Our Lady Of The Valley High School In Orange, New Jersey, in 1946. She went on to attend The Newark City Hospital School Of Nursing and became a registered nurse in 1950.

She married the love of her life, Robert ("Bob") Nielsen, in 1953. Together they raised five children while traveling in the Air Force, and made many lifelong friends along the way. 197brought The Nielsens to Montgomery, Alabama. With all of their children now in school, Dolores decided to go back into nursing. She worked at Baptist South Hospital in Post-Partum for the next ten years, where she left her mark as kind and caring to both patients and staff. Her love of nursing would pull her back once again in her seventies. She volunteered in the nursery at Baptist East Hospital until she was eighty two. One of her favorite memories there was being the first person to hold her first born great grandchild.

Dolores had a strong love for the arts, which she passed on to her children and grandchildren.

She attended ballet classes into her late sixties and also practiced Tai Chi for many years. She enjoyed going to any and all live performances. And she always loved a good movie.

Affectionately known as "Nana" to her grandchildren, Dolores's family was the most important focus in her life. Anyone who knew her, also knew how very proud she was of her children and grandchildren and most of all, her "Bob". She was always ready to share a recent photo or the latest happening.

One of her greatest joys was to bring a little sunshine into the lives of her family and friends. She loved popping in unexpectedly with a little something to brighten their day. Whether it was a goodie from the bakery, a bouquet of flowers, a special BillieBead, Beth's latest CD or just a big hug and a smile, she loved sharing her love.

A devout Catholic, Dolores relied on her strong faith throughout her life. It was at the center of her core. Members of St. Bede parish for many years, she and Bob also enjoyed being in the choir. Dolores was known as "The Prayer Lady" the last few years. She was always ready to say a Hail Mary or an Our Father, and was never without her rosary.

She leaves a living legacy of love in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her, and she lives on in the hearts of her family. Dolores Marie Nielsen will be remembered fondly and missed dearly.

She leaves to cherish her memory, five children: Barbara (Gilford, Jr) Dudley, Robert (Billie Tannen) Nielsen, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Beverly Rochester and Laura (Dr. Giovanni) Herrera; four grandchildren: Megean (Robb) Carter, Ernest (Jessica) Chapman, Gilford (Tripp) Dudley,III and Shannon (Robert) Cash; and six great grandchildren: Currin Still Carter, Luke Steele Cash, Cameron Elizabeth Carter, Atreyu Michael Chapman, Marvin Joseph Cash, and Sebastian Aloysius Chapman; and many loving nieces and nephews.

A Family and Friends visitation will be held on July 9, 2024 from 12- 1 pm at St Bede Catholic Church with Funeral Mass beginning at 1pm. A Graveside Committal Service will be held immediately following at Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Catholic Social Services or Ivy Creek Hospice.