Mary P. Nielson

Mary Patricia Nielson, 81, passed away June 13, 2024 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, due to complications from emergency surgery. A memorial mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 26, 2024 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Des Moines, Iowa with visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Entombment will be held at Resthaven Mausoleum.

Mary was born August 7, 1942 in Des Moines, Iowa to Paul and Gladyce (Christian) DuBay. She married David L. Nielson on April 26, 1969, after meeting on a blind date setup by friends. They raised their three daughters in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Mary was a homemaker when their three girls were younger. She worked part time at Younkers in Fort Dodge. As a non-traditional student in her late 40’s, Mary went to Iowa Central Community College graduating in 1993 with a Medical Assistant Degree. Mary and Dave moved to Des Moines in 1994. She worked for Urbandale Family Physicians Clinic for 17 years before retiring to enjoy time with her five grandchildren. She was a tremendous help to her working daughters in transporting her grandkids to their various activities and appointments. In her spare time, Mary enjoyed quilting, greeting card creating and other crafts.

Mary is survived by her husband, David at Senior Suites of Urbandale; three daughters and five grandchildren (all in Des Moines metro area), Elizabeth Schleisman and son, Keaton; Nancy (Craig) Decker and children, Hannah, Morgan and Jake; and Andrea Burgess and son, Brandon; siblings, Joan Tully of Dubuque, IA, Dan DuBay of Palm Springs, CA, and Gary (Debra) DuBay of Johnston, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Gladyce DuBay and siblings, Doug DuBay and Judy See.

In lieu of flowers, Mary’s family asks that memorial donations be made to The Alzheimer’s Association in Des Moines or Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines.