Linda Carol Nielsen, 72

Our sister, Linda Carol Nielsen, passed away Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, at her home in Lewiston, Idaho. She was born Nov. 12, 1943, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to Andrew Lewis and Florence Hazel (Merrill) Nielsen.

Linda was raised on the family farm in Post Falls, Idaho. She soon spread her wings, moving to Seattle, Wash., where she worked at the World’s Fair. The second of many moves was to California, where she met and married Jim Johnson. She adopted his two children, Tommy and Shellie. They lost Shellie far too soon to a tragic accident.

Linda was a fun loving person with a great sense of adventure. She moved often, pursuing various goals and interests. She lived all across the U.S., from California to Maine, Minnesota to Texas, and points in-between. While in Alaska, she learned to ride a motorcycle and then proceeded to ride it down the ALCan Highway to Idaho. She traveled extensively, spending six months backpacking throughout Europe. She visited Israel twice, and spent several months in China.

One career wasn’t enough for Linda. She started out as a secretary, but eventually continued her education, getting a degree in accounting. When she found that didn’t really suit her, back to school she went, this time pursuing a nursing degree. She continued nursing up to the present day. She was interested in religion, attending Rehma Bible College, earning a degree there as well.

Linda stayed busy. She had a green thumb with her house plants, and enjoyed reading. She was an excellent seamstress, often sewing clothes for various family members. She enjoyed spending time with her many nieces and nephews, roping the kids into one adventure or another. When our brother, David, passed away she put her life on hold to move into his home to help care for his children for a time. She was generous with her time and affections. She will be missed.

Linda is preceded in death by her daughter, Shellie Johnson; her brothers, Andrew and David Nielsen; and her parents, Andrew and Florence Nielsen. She is survived by her son, Thomas Johnson; her brothers, Glenn and Stanley Nielsen; her sisters, Mary Nielsen, Thelma Haddrell, Sandra Walker and Rachel Day; also by her brothers-in-law, Donald Haddrell and Daniel Day; and sisters-in-law Pauline and Lynne Nielsen.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, at Post Falls Baptist Church, 1609 N. Spokane St., Post Falls, Idaho. A gathering of family and friends to follow.

Donations in her name may be made to Jews for Jesus online at jewsforjesus.org.