Mary Patricia (Fleming) Nielsen, 74, of Delavan, passed into God’s hands March 11, 2024, at Mercyhealth Hospital and Medical Center in Lake Geneva.
She was born at Lakeland Hospital in Elkhorn on Feb. 18, 1950, to Walter and Clara (Davis) Fleming. Mary graduated from St. Andrews School Eighth Grade in 1964, and Delavan-Darien High School (DDHS) in 1968. She then moved to San Jose, California, graduated from the University of California-Davis and secured her teaching credential.
Mary taught special education and over the years assisted well over 350 special-needs students.
Mary was united in marriage to Eric Schou Nielsen on March 26, 1994. After a 30-plus year teaching career in California, Mary retired in 2017, moved to and resided in Jupiter, Florida, until 2019, following which she returned to live in Delavan.
Mary enjoyed teaching special-needs students, being able to travel throughout the U.S. and abroad and perhaps most, sharing the company of family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. Her caring nature was loved by all and Mary considered it a blessing to have that love returned to her many times over.
Mary is survived by her devoted husband of almost 30 years, Eric; brothers, Wally and Doug Fleming (wife Nancy); brother-in-law, Pete Nielsen (wife Linda); and numerous nephews and nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces as well as cousins, their children and grand-children throughout the U.S. and Denmark.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Dick, Fred, Gary and sister, Margaret.
A private memorial and celebration of Mary’s life will be held at a later date.
