Lillian Vivian (Jercich) Nielsen
Obituary
Lillian Vivian Nielsen passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026, at the age of 87. Born in Watsonville on October 23, 1938, she was the daughter of Anton and Tomazina Jercich, who immigrated to the United States from Brac, Croatia. Raised in Watsonville, Lillian was a proud graduate of Moreland Notre Dame High School.
Following graduation, Lillian began working as a bank teller at the newly opened Freedom Boulevard branch of Wells Fargo Bank. It was there that she met the love of her life, David. Smitten, David made sure to cash his weekly paycheck exclusively at Lillian's window. The two were wed on June 24, 1961, beginning a beautiful 62-year marriage that lasted until David's passing in 2023.
In 1962, David and Lillian moved to Aptos, where they raised their three children while successfully running their family physical therapy equipment manufacturing business. As a true cornerstone of the company, Lillian managed the bookkeeping with steady dedication for more than 30 years.
Equally devoted to her community, Lillian was one of the founders of YACO (now SACO) and served as a leader in the local branch of the Aglow Women's Ministry. Beyond her community service, she possessed a lifelong love of sports. Lillian was an exceptional bowler, proudly earning numerous league trophies over the years, and she thoroughly enjoyed playing softball, waterskiing, fishing and golf.
Lillian and David shared a love for travel. In 1978, they journeyed to Croatia with their three children to visit relatives on the islands of Brac and Hvar. Later in life, retirement brought them many adventures, including several cruises to Mexico and the Caribbean, and cherished fishing trips to Oregon.
An incredible wife, mother and grandmother, Lillian will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David; her sister, Violet; and her brother, John.
Lillian is survived by her brother, Anthony Jercich, and her three children: Glen Nielsen (Karen), JoAnn Theilen (Glen), and David Nielsen (Julie). She also leaves behind six adored grandchildren: Mason Pummill, and Stephen, Hannah, Grace, Jake and Nick Nielsen.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Valley Heights Senior Community, Westwind Memory Care and Continuum Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Lillian. Funeral services will be private, with entombment at Valley Catholic Cemetery in Watsonville.
Arrangements have been entrusted in the care of The Carroll Family of Ave Maria Memorial Chapel, www.avemariamemorialchapel.com.
Published in The Pajaronian · June 15, 2026