Retired Major Bernice C. Nielsen, 92, of Valparaiso, passed away Saturday, July 21, 2007 at her home.

She was born Aug. 28, 1914 in Valparaiso, the daughter of Mads and Christine (Andersen) Nielsen, both of whom preceded her in death.

She is survived by her twin-sister, Anna Foster of Valparaiso, a sister, Nina Fitch of Martinsville; special niece, Jodi Nielsen of Valparaiso and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by a sister, Marie; three brothers, Clarence, William and Hans and two sisters-in-laws, Esther and Celestine Nielsen.

Bernice attended one-room schools in Jackson Twp. First was the Carter School, which is now home to a nephew and niece and their children. She also attended a one-room school house on Tratebas Rd. and 325E. She attended high school at the Carter Community Hall and for her last year of high school, she attended Washington Twp. High School from which she graduated. She went on to Evanston Hospital Nursing School. She was a registered nurse serving in the U.S. Army for 20 years, retiring as a Major in 1965. She was a member of the New Life Wesleyan Church in Chesterton and enjoyed her outside swing and flowers.

A funeral service, Rev. Mike Cloud officiating, will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 27 at the New Life Wesleyan Church, 75 E. 1100N, Chesterton. Interment will follow at Westville Cemetery, Westville.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd. Valparaiso.

Memorial contributions may be made to the New Life Wesleyan Church.

moellerfuneralhome.com .

Posted 7/24/2007