Carrie Jane Terrel Nielsen, 90, of Allegan went to be with her Lord on Saturday, June 17, 2017. She was born July 25, 1926, near South Haven, in Allegan County, the daughter of the late Berce and Helen (Kreigh) Terrel.
She met Harry E. Nielsen working at the Fennville Canning Factory. They were married Sept. 23, 1950, and celebrated 59 years of marriage.
During her life she cared for many elderly people, including her parents and grandparents. She worked at various places harvesting fruits and vegetables for markets. She worked at Rhodes Dairy and also Sealtest for several years, along with riding for Shady Trails Riding Stable.
Carrie volunteered a great deal through her life. She taught Sunday school, woman's Bible class and vacation Bible school along with Friend Ways at the First Church of God in Allegan and the Allegan Christian Reformed Church. She was the head Calvinette leader at Allegan Christian Reformed Church. In her later years she was a member of the First Congregational Church of Allegan.
Carrie was also the WAOP Radio Station Mother of the Year for Allegan County.
Carrie enjoyed crocheting, sewing clothing and quilts, embroidery, crafts, oil painting, growing and arranging flowers, cooking, baking and crossword puzzles. For many years she won ribbons for her entries in all categories at the Allegan County Fair.
The lives of her family and friends were enriched by her generosity and love.
Carrie will be missed by her three children, Elsie Jones, Harry and Lois Nielsen, and Saree and Butch Miller; five grandchildren, Shannen Jaglan, Jacob and Angela Miller, Cassie and Luke Avink, Monica Owsiany and Beth Tucker; five great-grandchildren, Anella Avink, Jared Avink, Nicolas Owsiany, Harrison Owsiany and Alyssa Tucker; her sister Cliffadena Demaray; and numerous relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Harry Nielsen; her parents, Berce and Helen Terrel; her son-in-law Billy Jones; and three siblings.
Friends met with the family on Sunday, June 18, at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where the funeral service was held on Monday, June 19. Pastor Barry Lucas officiated. Interment took place at Millgrove Cemetery, Valley Township.
Memorial donations may be made in Carrie's name to the First Congregational Church, Wings of Hope Hospice or Allegan County Medical Care Community.
Arrangements were provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, www.gordenfuneral.com.
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