Jean M. Nilsen, 77, of Rockford, died Friday, July 20, 2012 in Alden Alma Nelson Subacute following a long illness. Born April 19, 1935 in Boone County, Illinois; the daughter of Joseph and Burdette Carlson. Jean married Clifton L. Nilsen in Belvidere, Illinois on June 28, 1952. She was a Beautician as well as having worked for the Sundstrand and White Sundstrand companies. She was a member of the Cirrhosis' Club and volunteered at Heartland Church's Thrift Shop. Jean is survived by her son, Curtis (Kathy) Nilsen, Belvidere; two daughters, Sherri Valentine, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Shelly (Pete) Zenesek, Granger, Indiana; six grandchildren, Cory (Kate) Nilsen, Renee Nilsen, Margeaux (Nick) Chichak, Heather (Kevin) Bergstrom, Skyler Zenesek, Robin Siegler; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Joan Demolli, Linda Hoffman; two brothers, Charles and Joseph Carlson and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband in 2001.