Rev. Susan Nilsen

REVEREND SUSAN NILSEN

The Reverend Susan Shira Nilsen, age 76, of Bridgeville, PA passed away on Monday, July 15, 2013 in Nashville, TN with her two sons by her side.  Susan was born November 3, 1936 in New Castle, PA daughter of C. Leroy and Edna Shira.  She graduated from New Castle High School, Denison University in Ohio, where she majored in English and Theater and later from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in East Liberty, where she received her Masters of Divinity.

Susan was a deeply committed and passionate pastor of the Presbyterian Church, USA for over 35 years, spending over 20 years at the Olivet Presbyterian Church in West Elizabeth, PA before retiring into work with various pastoral leadership counsels and as an early and active supporter of groups in need, including the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank.

Prior to ministry, she was active in theater with lead roles in local productions.  Throughout her life Susan was an avid traveler, amateur archaeologist, genealogist and vocal advocate for human and social rights.

She was devoted to her family and is survived by loving sons, Charles Nicholas (Mary Jill) Nilsen of Boston, MA and Thomas Theodore Nilsen of Nashville and much beloved grandchildren, Victoria, Andrew and Nathalie.

A reception of friends will be held in the Olivet Presbyterian Church 726 4 ^th Str. West Elizabeth, PA 15088 on Saturday, July 20, 2013 from 10 – 11 AM with a Memorial Service immediately following at 11.

In lieu of flowers donations are requested in memory of Susan to the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank or the Olivet Presbyterian Church.