Minerva Matos Nielsen, 86, formerly of Glendora and Ontario, California, passed away of natural causes on June 23rd, in San Juan Capistrano, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Minerva was born in Utuado, Puerto Rico. She was the eleventh of thirteen children to Felix and Carmen Matos. At the age of 21, she moved from the tropics of the Caribbean to the glaciers of Anchorage to live with her sister, Jenny, and husband Pablo.  A year later, Minerva moved to California where she met the love of her life, Charles Frances Nielsen.  They were married on December 31, 1960; soon after purchased their first home in El Monte, CA and in 1970 built their forever home in Glendora, CA.  There Minerva founded a successful furniture store, Minerva's Furniture with a reputation for a keen-eye for interior decorating. The family made their home in Glendora for 26 years, becoming an intricate part of the community.  Minerva was also a successful and popular realtor for many years, having positions at Citrus Valley and Century 21 Realtors.

Minerva is survived by her husband, Charles; her sons, Charles Jr. (Paula) and Jeffrey (Joy); her daughters, Deborah (Tom) and Wendy (Victor); her grandchildren Crystal, Charles III (Nicholette), Ryan (Shayla), Cain, Thomas, Connor, Dillon, Austen, and Weston; and great grandchildren Bailey, Charles IV, Lucas, and Sienna.  Minerva is also survived by her siblings, Radames (Martha), Nilsa, Miriam (Raymond), and Fior (Francisco).  Minerva is preceded in death by her parents Felix and Carmen, and siblings Felix Jr, Fernando, Jenny, Efrain, Carmen Ana, Antonio, Aurea, and Aida Esther.

Funeral services will be held July 3rd, at the Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano, with a viewing beginning at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Mass at 11:00 a.m. with Monsignor Michael McKiernan officiating. Burial will follow at Ascension Cemetery in Lake Forest.