Ida Nilsen DeVierno

Of Kensington, MD, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2024 at her Kensington Park Senior Living residence where she appreciated all the care she received. Ida is survived by son John A. of Kensington (Nancy, grandchildren Christopher and Andrew); daughter Alice of Sarasota, FL (Nelson); son Paul of Singapore (Arfah, grandchildren, Ida [Jack] and Benjamin) and granddaughter Angela of Arlington, VA (Matt, great-grandchildren Archer and Rhett). She was predeceased in 2016 by her husband of 69 years, John DeVierno; in 2004 by son Richard; and earlier by her brother Henry.
Ida Marie Nilsen was born October 16, 1925 in Brooklyn, NY. Her parents, Nils and Anna Nilsen, were immigrants from Norway who met in the Norwegian section of Brooklyn. Ida was an excellent student and upon graduation from New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn gained employment as a civilian with the Brooklyn Navy Yard. During her assignment to a Navy management office she met her future husband, who like her father and brother, was a WWII veteran. Later, Ida began a career with Bell Telephone in Manhattan. She married John in 1947 and the family moved to Maryland in 1958.
Ida was dedicated to raising her family and to serving her church. Since 1958 she was a Member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Kensington where she taught Sunday school for many years. When her youngest was old enough, Ida went back to work for the telephone company. She earned awards and happily retired from her management position at C & P Telephone in the mid-1980s.
Ida enjoyed a long retirement and was very thankful for all the good things and people that came her way during her long life. Until the last few years, she enjoyed her independence – attending church; supporting charities for impaired children; reading; watching the wildlife in her backyard; and staying in close contact with her children and grandchildren.
A service will be held at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 10401 Armory Avenue, Kensington, MD at a time to be determined. Condolences may be sent to Collins Funeral Home, Silver Spring. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent in her memory to St. Paul's or to Community Support Services, Gaithersburg, MD.