Margaret Agnes Neilson

Margaret Agnes Robertson Neilson, 94, of Aiken, SC, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2017, at the Anchor Health Center.   Mrs. Neilson was born on February 13, 1923, in Bexley Heath, Kent, England to James Glen Robertson and the former Helen Wylie Nairn.   Her father’s marine engineer career took the family to Alexandria and Port Said, Egypt from the 1920’s through World War II.   During the war, Margaret served in the British Civil Service for the Royal Navy in Egypt and Africa.   On April 17,1943, in Port Said she married John Langlands Neilson, a British Naval Officer serving in the Mediterranean.    After the war they emigrated to the United States, lived for many years in New Hyde Park, Long Island, New York, and then settled in the Houndslake community in Aiken for their retirement. Mrs. Neilson served on the Houndslake Villas Board, as a volunteer of the Aiken Regional Hospital Auxiliary, and was a member of the Houndslake Country Club.  She was also a member of the St. John’s United Methodist Church in Aiken. Although Margaret lived most of her life in the United States, she remained a proud Scot who never lost her love for her native Scotland.  Its natural beauty was always a source of pride and affection, particularly the west coast areas of Ayrshire, Dumfries, Galloway, and the Firth of Clyde, where she had spent many happy summers and holidays.   Her children were often amazed how her Scottish brogue survived life in the United States and was turned up as Margaret saw fit. Margaret was an avid and accomplished gardener who could talk life into any plant or bush.  She was also the family storyteller who could fascinate you with a wide variety of subject matter from her early life in Scotland and Eqypt to the latest book.    Affectionately known to her grandchildren as G.G., we will miss her elegance, steadfastness, charm and love.     Mrs. Neilson’s husband predeceased her in 2002.  Survivors include a son Michael J. G. Neilson (Susan) of Vero Beach, FL, a daughter Patricia H. Wessinger of Tampa, FL; three grandchildren Ian M. Wessinger (Julie ann), Cameron M. Neilson (Anna), and Peter J. Neilson (Krista); and five great grandchildren Alexis F. Wessinger, McKenzie R. Wessinger, Catherine Nairn Neilson, Peter James Robertson Neilson and Elliott Atticus Neilson.  A fourth grandchild, Christopher J. Wessinger died in September, 2012. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, October 21, 2017 at St. John’s United Methodist Church, Aiken, South Carolina.  The family will receive friends in Ward Hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests a donation in her name to the Aiken County Habitat for Humanity. 1026 Park Avenue SE, Aiken, SC 29801. SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC www.shellhousefuneralhome.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Margaret Agnes Neilson, please visit our flower store.