Frances Nielsen

Frances was born on November 21, 1917 in Westbrook, ME. She was the daughter of the late Philip B. and Carolyn H. (Milliken) Sawyer. She attended local schools and was a hardworking stay at home mother and wife.

Frances led a very active lifestyle. She enjoyed being outdoors gardening, and picking berries and beans and making the most delicious jams and pickles and relishes. She loved to knit, sew and do needlework and decorate cakes; which were amongst her many artistic and handcrafting talents. She enjoyed country music and was an avid Red Sox fan.

Above all was her dedication to family, and enjoying their company. Quiet times at the family camp on Sebago Lake were always special, and good times with her friends of the Westbrook Garden Club, the Chick-a-dee quilters brought a smile to her face. Frances was an active member of the First Lutheran Church of Portland and enjoyed the Tuesday group there.

Predeceasing Frances was her husband Roland C. “Pete” Nielsen, their son Philip Nielsen, her siblings, John, Ralph, and James Sawyer, and sister Gladys Tetrault.

Surviving is her daughter Joleen Knowles and her husband Abbott of Westbrook, five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and two great, great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

A 2:00 PM Funeral Service for Frances will be held this Tuesday, April 16th at the First Lutheran Church of Portland, 132 Auburn St., Portland, ME. Committal services will be at a later date in Woodlawn Cemetery of Westbrook.

In lieu of flowers the Nielsen family suggests memorials be made in Frances’s name to the First Lutheran Church, 132 Auburn St. Portland, ME 04103. The family would also like to thank the Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice for their loving care.

Care for the Frances and her family has been entrusted to the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home of Portland, ME.