Elaine Nissen's Obituary
Elaine Karen (Langston) Nissen
August 2, 1954 - March 25, 2020
Elaine Nissen of Union City, California passed away peacefully and went to her heavenly home on March 25, 2020. Dearly beloved wife of 45 years to Dean Nissen. Loving daughter of the late Gene and Muriel Langston. Beloved mother and mother-in-law to Randy and Carol Nissen, Andrea Nissen, and Janay and Kevin Hood. Loving and proud grandmother to Madelyn, Russell and Carissa Nissen, Zachariah Hood and new grandson arriving soon. Loving sister to Joanne D’Orazi, Gayle Langston, half-sisters Jeannie Langston, and Candice Lammon. Loving daughter-in-law to Linda Nissen and sister-in-law to Cindy and Dave Anderson, Rory Nissen, and Rick D’Orazi. Loving niece to Patti Christensen, Jonathan Sousa, Jeff and Teresa Sousa, and Marilyn Porter. Elaine loved her eight nieces and nephews, ten great-nieces and great-nephews and her many cousins and friends.
Elaine was born in Oakland and grew up in San Leandro. She graduated from Pacific High School of San Leandro in 1972. In 1971, Elaine was Honored Queen of Jobs Daughters, Bethel 261 in San Lorenzo, where she met Dean. Elaine attended Chabot College in Hayward, and received her Medical Assistant Certification from Fremont Regional Occupation Program. Elaine later attended Unitek College in Fremont, where she received a certificate for Medical Billing and Coding. She worked in the medical field as a biller and coder, assisting physicians, and conducting various front office duties. Elaine later worked for Fremont Unified School District in different clerical and secretarial positons.
Elaine served as a Deacon and Elder at First Presbyterian Church of Newark. She was also a Deacon at Centerville Presbyterian Church in Fremont where she led a Women’s Bible Study. She loved teaching Sunday school, and volunteering where needed. She also received a certificate and volunteered to be part of the Stephen Ministries.
Elaine was a strong woman of faith who put Christ first in her life. She loved her Bible studies, singing and listening to Christian music. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, and making quilts for her grandchildren and family. She loved hosting family gatherings, and being with her family. She also enjoyed dancing with her husband. More than anything she loved the Lord, and being a wife, a mother, and a grandmother.
Elaine was a recipient of a bone marrow donation by a very special and loving donor through “Be the Match”.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made in her name to any of the following:
Be the Match: bethematch.org
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: stjude.org
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford: my.supportlpch.org
The family wishes to send a special thank you to all the doctors, nurses, caregivers and staff at Kaiser Permanente and Stanford Hospitals for their care and compassion.
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