Mary Ann Nilson

Mary Ann Nilson Resident of Clayton Mary Ann Nilson passed away quietly on June 1, 2012 after a struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Mary Ann was born to Karl and Marie Gustafson in 1930 in Seattle, Washington. She attended Seward School in Seattle before moving to Los Angeles and then to Sonoma where she graduated from Sonoma High School. After three years at College of the Pacific she married Raymond Nilson and moved to San Jose where she received a BA degree with high honors from San Jose State College and a teaching credential. Mary Ann lived and raised a family in Clayton in a home she built with Ray, also a teacher in the Mt. Diablo District. She taught for twenty two years at Sun Terrace, Willow Creek Elementary and Sequoia Middle School. She was an innovative, dedicated teacher with a talent for teaching reading and a knack for developing an active, respectful learning community in the classroom. In later years, Mary Ann and a fellow teacher began making and selling sewn gift items at boutiques and craft fairs. This hobby developed into a sportswear manufacturing business, Magic Threads of California, catering to golf pro shops. She enjoyed the challenge of business and was particularly proud to be an employer and friend to a diverse group of skilled workers in Oakland and Emeryville. She retired as Vice-President in charge of production of Roche Golf in 2001. She is survived by her husband, Ray Nilson of Walnut Creek, son David Nilson, of Seattle, daughters Holly Nilson (Carol) of Seattle, Wendy Pike (Stuart) of Alamo and Amy Spanne (Alan) of Seattle. Another son, Mark Nilson, passed away in 1991. She is also survived by three grandsons, Javin Nilson Smith and Phillip and Warren Spanne. Private services will be held in Seattle. Remembrances may be made to The Mary Ann Scholarship Fund at University of the Pacific, 3601 Pacific Avenue, Hand Hall, Stockton, CA 95211. Private Services