Mary P. Nilssen

Mary Patricia Nilssen
(nee Scanlon) On February 6, 2025, of Washington Twp. Age 79. Beloved wife of Ingebrett. Devoted mother of Gene Sgroi. Loving step-mother of Arnold Nilssen (April), Judith Graves (the late Karl) and Inger Lise Burnside. Loving grandmother of June, Titus, Anna Lise, Cole, Finn, Jude, Daniel, Brittney, Victoria, Laura, Ashley and Alex. Proud great-grandmother of Damien, Daniel Jr., Declan, Lexon and Brayden. Dear sister of Patti Scanlon, Thomas and Terrence Scanlon.
Mary was an extremely passionate individual. She dutifully researched, investigated, and read up on many topics that interested her. Whether it was new discoveries in the field of diabetes healthcare or the throes of politics, you could be assured she had an opinion on the subject. She took classes on public speaking, earned a Master of Arts degree, wrote a book, and took on numerous business ventures; if she's got the time, she's either learning, earning, or yearning. She may have had type 1 diabetes, but I assure you she didn't struggle with diabetes, diabetes struggled with her. And if the topic ever came up, she would be the first to pipe up with "I've had diabetes for 73 years." And she was proud of it.
Mary always wanted more family. While she may have only had one son of her own, her family is far from small. The family she married into accepted her as their own. She witnessed as grandchildren and great grandchildren were born into her family. There were many who called her "Nanny", and to each one of them she would bestow upon them the greatest honor of kisses, cheek pinches, and firm hugs. A gracious host, she had many family gatherings at her home with barbecues, Easter egg hunts, and Christmases. She would collect and try out new recipes to prepare for her guests. Those times are fondly remembered by everyone in Mary's family.
Mary lived a long life and did many things with it. To sum up the entirety of a person in just a few short paragraphs is an impossible task. But that is the beauty of memory. For in it, Mary lives on. In the hearts and minds of every path she crossed, there is Mary. In every bridge she built, there is Mary. In every merry memory, there is a Mary memory.
Mary's life will be honored and remembered privately by her family.
"A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering"