Joanne M. Nilsen – (83) – of 10 West Ave., Arkport, died early Tuesday morning (January 14, 2020) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on March 23, 1936, she was the daughter of Carl & Rose (Gallese) Marino.

Joanne grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1953).  Following high school, she enrolled at Buffalo General Hospital School of Nursing and following her graduation in 1956, she received her nurse’s license.

She was a veteran of the US Navy, serving her country from 1957-1958 as a US Navy Nurse.  Following her honorable discharge from the US Navy, Joanne moved to Brooklyn, NY.  She was employed as a nurse at the Brooklyn VA Medical Center for 38 years where she worked in every department, including Operating Room, Emergency Room and Psych Unit.  She retired in 1996.

In 2003, Joanne returned to the Hornell – Arkport area.  She was a member of St. Ann’s Church and also a member of the Ladies of Columbus.  She enjoyed reading and working on crossword puzzles and also loved rooting for the New York Giants and the New York Yankees.

She was married on October 17, 1962 to Robert “Bob” Nilsen who died February 3, 2016.  Joanne was also preceded in death by her daughter, Abigail Nilsen who died in 1971; 2 brothers, Charles “Chuck” Marino and Anthony “Tony” Marino.

She was married on October 17, 1962 to Robert “Bob” Nilsen who died February 3, 2016.  Surviving are 4 sons, Sam (Jit) Nilsen of Windham, NY, Bryan (Linda) Nilsen of Staten Island, John (Coleen) Nilsen of Baldwinsville, NY and Nicholas (Erin) Nilsen of Webster; 3 sisters, Cheryl Raschiatore of Rochester, Nicoletta Barrie of Rochester and Marylynn Marino of Rochester; her aunt, Lucy Wiley of Hornell; 6 grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Joanne M. Nilsen will receive friends on Sunday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Joanne’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

In recognition of Joanne’s service to her country while serving in the US Navy, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.