Obituary of Martha Ann Nilssen

. Martha Ann Nilssen Martha Ann (Paul) Nilssen, 63, a resident of Olympia since 1969, died of congestive heart failure after a long battle with emphysema Wednesday Feb 28, 2007. She was born July 12, 1943 to Archie and Lillie Mae (Wiggins) Paul in Megargel, AL. She called several areas in Alabama and Missouri home in her childhood years before moving to California in 1962. She was married to Bjarne Fredrick Nilssen on Aug. 4, 1963. Mrs. Nilssen, while living in CA, worked for Lenkurt Electric Co. (Sylvania) in San Carlos. After moving to WA Mrs. Nilssen was self employed as a licensed day care provider and foster care provider. She co-founded together with Karin N. Cagg, and was an officer of the Thurston County Family Child Care Association. In 1974 she became employed by the U.S. Postal Service as the substitute of record for Tom Kjerlaug on Rural Route 7 in Olympia WA. After becoming a full time Rural Route Carrier she delivered to many areas including the Steamboat Island area. She was passionately involved in the National Rural Letter Carriers Association as a shop steward. She remained with the Post Office until her retirement in 2002. Mrs. Nilssen is survived by her husband, Bjarne; her daughters, Terri (Paul) Perkins of Olympia; Lisa (Larry) Pascual of Seattle; Leah Nilssen of Olympia; a brother, Monroe “Buddy” (Maudie) Paul, Springfield, MO; sisters Julia Mae (Mallard) Minchew, Citronelle, AL; fraternal twin Mary Ann (Wilburt) McKay, Theodore, AL; Vivian (Kenny) Burky, Billings, MO; four grandchildren; Spencer and Jesse Perkins, Toril and Bayani Pascual; numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. Please leave your memories and condolences online for the family by clicking on the "view guestbook" link below.