Nellie Isabelle Field

Nellie Isabelle Field

July 12, 1928 - October 24, 2024

Nellie Isabelle Field was born in Erskine Village, Polk County, MN on July 12, 1928, to Jens Peter Nielson (born in Plano, IL) and Bessie Pearl Crosby (born in Everly, IA). She grew up with two brothers, Wilbur and Lee, and a sister, Bess, on their family farm near Erskine, MN.

Nellie has told a story, which was also reported in a local paper, about a time when her family, along with a group

of about 50 other people ended up snowbound in a bad blizzard. On March 15, 1942, when she was thirteen years old, they were all attending a neighborhood birthday party when a sudden blizzard struck. The whole group of people was snowbound there for several days. The next day while waiting for the storm to subside, the men wrapped sacks around their feet and legs for protection so they could walk home to feed their stock and bring their families safely back home. That morning, Nellie's dad, J.P., led the people in songs and hymns, showing appreciation to the Heavenly Father for weathering the storm.

Also reported were the following comments about Pete:

Pete Nielson, was an "extremely" tall man, and to the scores who knew him, he was not only tall in stature, but in kindness and deeds as well. This, along with other attributes and his genuine Christian faith, carried him through many adversities, depression, and grief. Pete Nielson was active in his community, holding many public offices, such as church, school, and township boards and was a member of the AAA (ASC) board for many years.

Pete's wife and Nellie's mother, Bessie, died in a tragic automobile accident on January 25, 1949. just two months after Nellie's wedding.

Nellie married David Eugene Field, from Stephen, MN, on November 20, 1948, in Red Lake Falls, MN and started a family, which would be one of her great joys in life. She also worked with her new husband in starting a farm near Erskine, MN, which has been fondly referred to as "The Old House" by all of her children. Eventually, Nellie and Gene left their farming life to pursue other interests and opportunities in life. Their travels to them to Florida, New Mexico, and eventually CA.

In 1958, Nellie, Gene, and their four children came to CA, pulling their trailer behind their car. They lived for a short time in a trailer park in Compton, then moved over to Paramount, where her sister, Bess, was living with her family at the time. Nellie, Gene, and the kids soon moved to Midway Trailer City in Anaheim. Then in 1960, they purchased a home in Anaheim, CA.

Nellie was a faithful believer in the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the mid-1960's, she became more actively involved in her church, after she and Gene rededicated their lives to the Lord. She and Gene served in the Community Bible Church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance (CMA) in Fullerton, CA as Deaconess

and Deacon for several years. During this time Nellie was also working as an LVN and Psychiatric Technician, as well as raising their four children.

In 1973, Nellie and Gene purchased a new home in Norco, CA. Gene had also purchased a new and well-equipped truck for his business of over-the-road hauling of various types of merchandise throughout the United States. They had decided that this Norco home with the large lot provided the space Gene needed for the truck. In 1974, Nellie was looking forward to Gene returning home from a business trip in the new truck and celebrating their 26th wedding anniversary on November 20, with all of her children being home. However, she instead received the news that he had died suddenly in Boston, MA, as a result of a massive heart attack. That was a blow, but Nellie kept on with the help of friends, family, and faith in God and His strength.

After Gene passed away on November 20, 1974, Nellie continued to live in her Norco home and went back to work in her nursing profession. During these next many years, Nellie also spent a lot of time with her grandchildren, helping to care for them, teaching them many things, and having fun, too. She managed to open her home for

Christmas get-togethers and just drop-in times. Everyone loved to go to Grandma's house.

After fifteen years of widowhood, Nellie met and married Arthur Mack on June 1, 1989. Art was ordained as a minister sometime after they were married and Nellie, having retired from her nursing career, took on the duties of a pastor's wife. She ministered alongside Art in various church activities and duties, especially in visitation. She also encouraged him in his writing, which included articles for various publications. Nellie continued to assist him until his death in 2002.

Nellie raised four children and helped raise many more grandchildren, who have wonderful memories of the days they spent at her Norco home. She created a family tradition of Christmas Eve supper at her house, which has continued through the years, with as many joining in as are able. It has always been a houseful of the laughter of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Nellie passed away at the age of 96, surrounded by the love of her family. She fell asleep peacefully in the arms of Jesus, her Lord.

Nellie was predeceased by her youngest child, James Niel Field. She is survived by her other three children: Damaris Elaine Finney, Valerie Diane Eriksen (husband Gill), and Bruce David Field (wife Rosemary), and her daughter-in-law Cheryl Field (widow of James Field); along with sixteen grandchildren and sixteen

great-grandchildren.

Donations in honor of Nellie Field can be made to:

West Grand Baptist Church, 709 W. Grand Blvd., Corona, CA 92882

American Heart Association at www.heart.org