Rosella "Rosie" Marie Nielson

Rosella Marie arrived in the arms of Olivia (Zuber) and John Heuberger on August 21, 1933 on her sister’s 10th birthday. Marguerite was gifted with the honor of naming her little sister. Along with brother Gerald, the three siblings had a life on the farm filled with a lot of hard work, tempered with plenty of strong German love. The years of the “Great Depression” greatly influenced her long life.

The story of how she met Tom Nielson was not confirmed by both parties. They each had their own version. The gist of it was that Tom saw her sitting in a friend’s car and he made it clear she was the one he wanted to take to the dance. They married after high school graduation; Tom from Stayton, Rosella from St. Boniface and their children soon followed. Kenneth Wayne, Thomas Douglas, Kay Louise, a short breather and then Lisa Mary. All by the time she was 28 years old.

They moved often and it is said that by the time they settled in the house that Tom built on Division Street in Sublimity they had already moved nearly 15 times. But Division Street remained their home for 14 years. Likely the longest stretch in one home. In this home, the biggest surprise of their lives and most amazing blessing for the family arrived in the form of a fifth child when Rosella was 40 years old, Sarah Ann. Rosella was a stay-at-home mom for many years but she enjoyed her work during the legislative sessions, working for a longtime political friend. She was always active in politics and left a strong impression on her family for social justice and peacemaking. For Tom, the grass was not necessarily greener, but the challenge of building a new home in South Salem captured him and the work of creating a homesite with a pond and home was met with the usual focus and energy. They laid out the new house, Tom cutting pieces of wood like puzzle pieces to match what they were talking over and finalized their plan. When they moved the keys for the front door were not to be found, such was the life in Sublimity.

The move took them to South Salem and eventually they moved into town before moving again, this time to Albany. It was in Albany that Rosella’s name was changed to Rosie. Not by her choice, but she eventually acquiesced. It was also in Albany that Rosie began working full time, first with the Salvation Army office, Loy Marshall, CPA, St. Mary’s Parish and finally the Linn-Benton Housing Authority. She thrived, Sarah thrived, the grandsons from Kay & Mike (Hales) and Doug blessed them and life was good. But they weren’t finished moving. When Tom retired, Rosie continued working which left Tom un-supervised. He went to visit his sister in Queen Valley, Arizona and decided he had found paradise. It is a testament to Rosie’s love of Tom that when he telephoned and said ‘Honey, I bought a place’ that they remained married. After her initial stunned response, the plans for becoming Snow Birds took shape, eventually moving next to Kay & Mike in South Salem during the bountiful summers and golfing the winters in beautiful Queen Valley. Yes, they also moved once there, but just across the block.

Those that visited the family were always greeted warmly with food and drink; the language of love we all share. Rosie had said that she was proud of her work at home raising the children and managing the home, in the offices where she excelled in caring for people’s needs, and most especially as a Proclaimer of God’s Word. Others may call it being a lector, but that title obviously didn’t capture how much more it meant to her. It was a long-lived ministry she shared in the parishes of Albany, Salem, and Florence Arizona before retiring while at the Springs at Tanasbourne. She and her sharp wit will be missed by all who knew her, and especially by her five children, 4 grandsons, and 3 great grandchildren.

Memorial donations can be made to Catholic Charities.

A vigil service will be held Tuesday evening, October 21st, 6-8pm with a prayer service at 7:00pm and time for reminiscing. Located at the Virgil T Golden Funeral Services, 605 Commercial St SE, Salem Oregon

A funeral mass will be celebrated Wednesday, October 22, 11:00am at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Sublimity Oregon. Graveside service and luncheon to follow.