Mary Evelyn Nelson passed away peacefully on August 23, 2016 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Marlin Nelson: children, Pam Clark and husband Robert, and Kim Nelson and wife Lan, 11 grandchildren and 18 greatgrandchildren. Mary was born to Bess and Franklin Bryan on April 17, 1934 in Clifton, Kansas. After graduating from high school in 1952, she married Marlin Nelson. They moved to the Pacific northwest five years later where they raised their children in a close and loving family environment. Mary had several occupations to include retail sales and real estate. But above all she was a loving wife and mother and grandmother. When Marlin retired in the early 1980s, he and Mary moved to Surprise, Arizona. Shortly thereafter, Mary took a job as the activities director in a retirement community. She enjoyed this endeavor where she was able to utilize her creative skills and artistic abilities. Mary’s hobbies included dancing, music, camping, sewing, painting, and scrapbooking.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.
A private ceremony will take place Monday August 29, 2016. The family wishes to thank the staff at Gentiva Hospice and Northridge Alzheimer facility for their loving care and support. Please consider a contribution to the Alzheimer Association in Mary’s memory.