Mary Elliott Nielsen

Feb. 19, 1960-Dec. 22, 2021

A bright spark went out on Dec. 22, 2021, when Mary Elliott Nielsen passed peacefully from this world. Mary fought cancer with the same tenacity and courage that she lived her life. She loved deeply. No one was ever a stranger and anyone who knew her was blessed by her generosity, compassion and dedication to helping others. You couldn’t ask for a more honest and loyal friend!

Mary was born on Feb. 19, 1960 in St. Louis, Missouri, but moved to Seattle at 6 months old where she remained until 1967 when her family moved to Kodiak, Alaska. In 1969 the family moved to the Kenai Peninsula, living in Soldotna, Kenai, Nikiski and Valdez throughout her school years. Thus began Mary’s wanderlust. Her adventurous spirit led her to explore life in Anchorage, Seattle, Portland, Oregon, Redfield, South Dakota, and Branson, South Dakota, and many other places in between. However, she always returned to the Alaska she loved.

Although tough as nails, Mary was a very sensitive and kind person. She was an extremely social, trustworthy and organized individual who enjoyed various positions in retail and bartending. Mary’s strengths and fearless nature served her well as she worked commercial, residential and road construction, insulation, data wiring, crack sealing, mechanic, expediting/delivery and commercial fishing. She was a member of the Plumbers & Pipefitters Union in Anchorage and was also working toward a degree in medical coding.

Mary is survived by her sisters, Peggy Moore of Homer, Carolyn Hensley of Wasilla, and Paula Archer of Bremerton, Washington; brothers, John Nielsen of Reno, Nevada, and James Nielsen of Washington; niece, Kimberly Bowser of Kasilof, nephew, Bryan Duncan of Soldotna, and niece Kristen Edwards of Meridian, Idaho; seven great nieces and nephews; goddaughter; Bell Brown, and many dear friends. Mary was preceded in death by her parents. John Nielsen and Anne Gibb. and brothers John Wagner and William (Bill) Nielsen.

The Kharacters family will hold a celebration of life from 2-7 p.m. Jan. 21, 2022, at Kharacters Bar in Homer. A family memorial will be held at the Homer Bishop’s Beach in June 2022.