Janet Elizabeth Gough Nilsen

1931 - 2022

Honored as 'Woman of Achievement' for leadership, volunteerism Janet Elizabeth Gough (Butler) Nilsen, aged 90, passed away at Newbury, Vermont. Janet was born on June 1st, 1931 at Tottenville, Staten Island, NY to Philip Gough & Helen Colligan Gough. Janet was the youngest of three siblings. Janet was a fierce woman – holding fast to her beliefs, "you should never have a kitchen unless it comes with the house" and "Housework can't kill you but why take the chance". She had a deep love for volunteerism and community activism and was awarded numerous awards and accolades; Staten Island Advance Woman of Achievement - 1976. Richmond Memorial Hospital Auxiliary President -1970-72. Richmond Memorial Hospital Volunteer 1958 - 81. Federation of P.T.A. Executive Board - 1974. Numerous executive roles at P.T.A.; P.S.#1, I.S.#34, Tottenville High School. Richmond Coordinating Committee of the United Hospital Fund of Greater New York, President - 1973-75. The Conference House, Director & Treasurer - 1966-81. Tottenville Improvement Council (TIC) - Secretary. Y.M.C.A. of S.I. Committee of Management - 1971-73. Princes Bay Women's Club, President - 1974-76. St. Stephen's Church Women, Treasurer - 1972-81. Order of the Eastern Star, Matron - 1979. South Shore Swim Club, Board Member. Women of the Year B.P.O.E. Lodge 841, then Women of the Year B.P.O.E. for State of New York, 1982. South Shore Flag Day Committee -1976-81. To name a few… Janet retired to South Florida in 1982. She held numerous Board and Committee Management positions from 1983-2014; Broward County Election Board. President of Park City Homeowner Association, Park City High Steppers, Park City Library Committee, Park City Community Players. President LWML Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Elder Gloria Dei. Board member of the Senior Advisory Board for the Town of Davie, FL. Chief Daughter - Daughters of Scotia. HOPE Outreach (homeless women with children). Past Queen - Red Hat Society. President - Davie Woman's Club. Davie Police Women's Auxiliary. Public Theatre of South Florida. Janet also learned ASL in her 80's and signed at religious and community functions though-out South Florida. Janet is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Nilsen Drugach, son-in-law John Lincoln Drugach and her grandsons, Jack and Quinten, of Vermont. Janet's son Mikal Butler Nilsen and her grandsons, Maxfield and Avram of Pennsylvania. Janet's stepson Jeffrey Hobart Nilsen of Bulgaria. Her God-daughter Kirsten Riley Pantalena, her husband Peter Pantalena and their daughters Riley and Dahlia. Her niece and S.I. resident, Donna Gough Sarnes, her husband Robert Sarnes and their children, Meaghan and Maureen. Her niece Pamela Nilsen Kusy, her husband Vincent and their children, Ashley and Kimmy. Janet's niece Tyrie Gough Boyles and her children, Ashley, Rickey and Brittany. Her deceased niece Kim Gough Malesko and her children Kristy, Lory, and Tracy, and her sister-in-law Rosemary Gough. Janet is preceded in death by her beloved husband Nels H. Nilsen - 2004, and her brothers Donald and Warren Gough. Janet and Nels shared their love and opened their home to so many. We acknowledge Janet touched so many lives and acted as father, mother, brother, sister, or beloved friend to many in New York, Florida, and across the country. A private family ceremony was held and her ashes placed at Tottenville S.I., NY and Davie, FL.