Mary Nielsen

Born in Charleston, SC, the only daughter of Thomas H. and Verna (VanSandt) Williamson, Mary spent most of her childhood in Birmingham, AL, and graduated from Birmingham Southern College with a B.S. in Mathematics. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. In 1942 she married Irving Rock Obenchain, Jr. Mary became a math teacher in Fairfax County, VA in 1954. After earning her Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from George Washington University, Washington, D.C., she became a guidance counselor at Glasgow Intermediate School in Fairfax County.

In 1962 Mary married Edward L. Nielsen. She moved with her husband, Colonel Edward L. Nielsen to North Palm Beach, FL in 1977. She was a guidance counselor at South Fork High School in Martin County, FL until her retirement in 1993. She later taught mathematics at Christa McAuliffe Middle School in Palm Beach County. She was a substitute teacher for Palm Beach County Schools until August 2009.

Mary Nielsen was Secretary of MOAA, Military Officers Association of America, officer of the board of Old Port Cove Condo Association, volunteer at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Docent at Flagler Museum, Associate of Daedalians, and member of Mental Health Association. Mary was a longtime member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

Many have said that when Mary Nielsen walked into a room it was with sparkle and grace. She believed that learning should be a lifelong journey for everyone.

She leaves behind her beloved children, Kathleen Glass of North Palm Beach, FL, Irving Rock Obenchain III of Littleton, CO, Mary Jane Brown of Bay Minette, AL, and CDR Stephen P. Nielsen USN of Charleston, SC her two stepsons, Edward Nielsen of Pittsburg, PA and Gregory Nielsen of Tampa, FL 11 Grandchildren, Jeffrey and Jennifer Glass, Jon, Allison and Matthew Obenchain, John M. Brooks, Christopher Eddins, Elizabeth and Kristen Nielsen, Monica and Taylor Nielsen and 3 Great Grandchildren, Rebecca, Laura, and Jessica Brooks.

Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, May 30, 2010 at 1:00 PM at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Palm beach Gardens, with Father Jim Cook officiating. Arrangements entrusted to Howard-Price Funeral Home, North Palm Beach, FL.

Mary’s family has asked that donations in her memory be made to Hospice of Palm Beach County, 5300 East Ave., West Palm Beach, Fl 33407