Judith Marie Hansen Nielsen was born on Oct 7, 1933 in New Orleans, LA to Norwegian immigrants, Hans Trygve Hansen and Hanna Jørgine Hansen Hauge.

She graduated from McMain High School in New Orleans and attended Tulane University, Soule Business College and St. Olaf College. Judith worked at the Swedish Consulate and Strachan Shipping Company, and during this time she met Edward Lewis Nielsen through a mutual friend. On Jan 3, 1959, they married at the Norwegian Seamen's Church in New Orleans, where she was also christened and confirmed. They were blessed with four wonderful children.

Throughout her life, Judith lovingly doted on her family and was a dear friend to many. She was a Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout Den Mother and participated in her neighborhood garden club, investment club and mothers with special needs group. Judith was a talented seamstress and made beautiful needlework, including hardanger and tatting, which have become treasured heirloom pieces. She was a wonderful cook and baker and many memories were made in the kitchen making Norwegian lefse, Norwegian waffles, and gingerbread. Her children and grandchildren will always remember and cherish her presence at many special events in their lives. Judith was closely tied to her Norwegian roots and spoke fluent Norwegian. She was a member at Kinsmen Lutheran Church in Houston and active in the Naomi Circle, flower committee, bible studies and taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She enjoyed fellowship at Norwegian Seamen's Churches in New Orleans, New York, San Francisco and Pasadena, TX. Throughout her life she enjoyed traveling to Norway, Denmark and Germany to visit family.

She passed away on Sept 16, 2023, surrounded by family. Preceding Judith in death is husband, Edward, brother, Nils Erling Hansen and cousin, Linda Reisvaag. She is survived by sons, Peter (Cheryl) Nielsen of San Antonio and Hans (Cindy) Nielsen of Houston; daughters Anne-Marie (Leon) Hayduchok of Houston and Karen Nielsen of Houston; eight grandchildren Kristin (McKinley) Soult, Karl (Evan) Nielsen, Erik (Carol) Nielsen, Katrina and Erika Nielsen, and Kirstin, Lilia and Annika Hayduchok; two great-grandchildren Malachi and Olive Soult; sister-in-law, Reinetta Hansen; niece Helen (Keith) Lehman and nephews Norman (Lisa) and Jon Erling Hansen; and cousins, Ellen (Oddvar) Laegreid and Ingrid (Jakob) Sorhus.

A Celebration of Life service and reception will be held at Kinsmen Lutheran Church, Houston, TX on Saturday, Oct 7 at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Norwegian Seamen's Church at 4309 Young Street, Pasadena, TX 77504.