Mildred Esther Markussen Nilsen, age 85, passed peacefully to her rest on Thursday, May 31, 2012, surrounded by her family in her Loma Linda, CA residence.

Mildred was born on July 25, 1926 to a Norwegian immigrant family in Brooklyn, New York. After attending college, she worked as Assistant to the President of Atlantic Union College in Massachusetts, and then at Dime Savings Bank in New York City. In 1952, she moved to California with her family. She met and married Svein Nilsen in 1953. Mildred worked as an escrow officer throughout the first years of their marriage and Svein’s four years of medical school. After the birth of their three daughters, she devoted her days to working as a stay-at-home mother and later, served as the office manager in Dr. Nilsen’s San Bernardino family medicine practice. She also volunteered her time at LLU Medical Center and the National Auxiliary to the LLU School of Medicine Alumni Association. The Nilsens' Loma Linda home served as a treasured gathering place for family, friends, and local Scandinavians. Mildred was a member of the Loma Linda University Church of Seventh-day Adventists for over 50 years.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Svein R. Nilsen, MD.

She is survived by her daughters Joyce Benfield, Karen Soderblom, and Linda Harty; six grandchildren; her brother Norman Markussen, DDS; relatives in the USA and Norway and many friends.

Mildred will be remembered for her great love for God and her family, her beautiful smile, her warm and friendly manner and her gracious hospitality.

Memorial donations may be made to: Faith For Today ministry at P.O. Box 1000, Thousand Oaks, CA 90053 Ph: 805-955-7700

A memorial service will be held at Loma Linda University Church of Seventh-day Adventists on June 11, 2012 at 6:30pm.

Private interment will be held at Montecito Memorial Park, Colton.

Cortner Chapel, directing.