Virginia Minerva Nielsen

December 5, 1912 – May 22, 2017

Virginia Nielsen was born in Modesto 12/5/1912 to Charles and Ida Edwards. She grew up in what was then rural Modesto with older siblings Edith, Laverne, Charles, and younger brother Warren.

Virginia moved to San Francisco to pursue Nursing. She went to nursing school, and became an RN in the 1930’s.

Virginia was a long time Orangevale resident. She moved to Orangevale in 1945 with her then husband Al Nielsen and son Kenneth, where they bought and operated a local chicken ranch; she remained in Orangevale for the rest of her life. In the late 1950’s, she moved on to other jobs. She used to recall working at Capri market, and cashing checks for Buck Owens when he played locally. She eventually returned to nursing at Roseville Hospital in the maternity ward, until her retirement in 1977.

Virginia loved bowling. She bowled at Lake Bowl in Folsom for years; continuing into her later years using a lighter ball so she could still bowl even while using a walker. She traveled the western states and Hawaii with her 500 Club Team. She was bowling in Washington when Mount Saint Helens erupted; she brought home jars of ash. Even after she was confined to a wheelchair, she was an excellent Nintendo Wii bowler!

Virginia started voting as soon as she was old enough to do so. She was active as a polling place volunteer for almost 70 years. She volunteered for local, state, and federal elections. She was recognized by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors for her years of service to the community. She recalled going with her mother to the polling place when women were given the right to vote.

Virginia loved working at the Farmers market, selling corn, and interacting with customers. When she was absent after she broke her leg, customers would ask about her. Although she was not able to return often after that, every time she went to the market she would greet old acquaintances. She would roll right up to the table, start selling corn and talking to folks.

Virginia is survived by her son Kenneth Nielsen, grandchildren Robert (Shilo), Susan (Randy) and Allan (Caitlin), and great grandchildren Ian, Cody, Hunter, and Aidan.