Mary Jean (Hathaway-Balfe) Nielsen went to be with our lord on Feb. 22, 2021, at daughter Edie’s home surrounded by loved ones.

Born to Mary (Beers) and Percy Hathaway Sept. 20 1932, at Dungeness, Washington, she was raised mostly by beloved Grandma Jane Balfe.

Mary Jean married Melvin Nielsen Oct. 17 1953, until his passing December 2004. They had six daughters: Teresa (Jim) Williams of Aberdeen, Washington, Kim (Gary) Bryant of Artic, Washington, Christy (Mike) Ross of Longview, Washington, Connie (Larry) Bryant of Spirit Lake, Idaho, Cathy Brantner of Aberdeen, Washington and Edie Met of Gig Harbor, Washington. She had 21 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren. She also had a beloved dog Pegasus, who would not leave her side until the end.

Mary Jean graduated as an LPN in 1968, when all her daughters were of school age. She worked in the CCU at St Joseph’s Hospital, then during the merger she worked on the medical floor at Grays Harbor Community Hospital until she retired in 2000.

Mary Jean loved to travel and attend kids’ and grandkids’ birthday parties and sporting events. She loved camping, movies and the occasional trip to Reno. She is preceded in death by granddaughter Jenny Ross, and grandsons Joshua Ross and Kenny Bryant.