Marguerite H. Nielson

MARGUERITE H. (MANN) NIELSON WATERVILLE - Marguerite Helene (Mann) Nielson, 92, was born on May 11, 1916, in Waterville, Vt. She passed away on Feb. 16, 2009, in Salisbury, Md., surrounded by her family. One of six children of the late Merritt H. and Lois (Stebbins) Mann of Waterville, she was a graduate of Cambridge High School and Johnson Normal School. She also attended Eastern Nazarene College in Wollaston, Mass. She began her teaching career in elementary schools in Lamoille County. Two of her siblings survive her, Dr. Roger (and Muriel) Mann and Miss Genevieve Mann, both of Waterville. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews and their families. In 1942, she married Rev. John B. Nielson, then pastoring the Church of the Nazarene in Johnson, Vt., who predeceased her on June 29, 1997. They also served Nazarene congregations in Yarmouth, Maine, Ottawa, Kansas, W. Somerville, Mass., Pawtucket, R.I., and Lowell, Mass. In 1965, her husband was appointed the founding Rector of European Nazarene College. Marguerite designed a program for teaching English to students from over six nations in one classroom and bringing them to college level reading within one year. She did this when no textbooks for multi-language teaching were available and before the concept of ESL (English as a Second Language) had been developed in the field of education. In later years, her husband served on the faculty of Mount Vernon Nazarene University and as an executive editor at Nazarene Headquarters in Kansas City. During those years, Marguerite served in staff positions at Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Mid-America Nazarene University. In 1983, they retired to Waterville. She is the mother of four children, John M. (and Janice) Nielson of Mount Vernon, Ohio, Merritt J. (and Linda) Nielson of Olathe, Kan., Mrs. Patricia (and Ronald) Parker of Salisbury, Md., and William B. (and Susan) Nielson of Albuquerque, N.M. She also is survived by 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Of her 40 direct descendents and their spouses, 11 are ministers in the Church of the Nazarene. All but two of those descendents were at her bedside within the last few days of her life. Those who knew her remarked on her gentle spirit, the twinkle in her eye, her courage, her abiding love, and her deep faith in God. Her children noted that in regard to her life, Proverbs 31 was not an abstract ideal, but her accurate biography. "Her children arise and call her blessed!" She was also predeceased by her siblings, Edward Mann, Gwendolyn Mann and her twin brother Merritt H. Mann Jr. There will be a funeral service in Waterville during the Memorial Day weekend with interment to follow in Mountain View Cemetery. The date and time will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to: The Nielson Endowment at Eastern Nazarene College; 23 E. Elm Ave.; Wollaston, MA 02170. The family invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting Marguerite's tribute at www.awrichfuneralhomes.com . Arrangements are by John D. Workman, A. W. Rich Funeral Home - Fairfax Chapel, 1176 Main St. Fairfax, VT 05454.