Mary Ellen Nelson's Obituary
Mary Ellen "M" Nelson Born January 10, 1921 in Wellston, Ohio to Mabel and Earl Baird. She is survived by her husband of 65 years Dr. Martin E. Nelson, Professor Emeritus, University of Puget Sound. They were married on June 2, 1942 in Princeton, New Jersey. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she is also survived by her brother Jim Baird and her three children: Vic Nelson (Sharon), Karen Vescovi (Ron) and Marsha Klumpar (Rick); her five grandchildren: Brita Nelson, Brian Vescovi (Krystn), Kyla Vescovi Heyer (Casey and great grandson Tanner), Travis Klumpar (Liza and great grandson Hunter) and Michelle Klumpar Lay (Ernie and great grandchildren Vaughn, Ezra, Mila and Nora). A registered Red Cross Nurse, "M" was a 1942 graduate of White Cross Hospital (now Riverside) in Columbus, Ohio. A member of Redeemer Lutheran Church for 60 years she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and was President of the Lutheran Church Women's Group. As a lover of flowers and plants, she arranged the altar flowers and thoroughly enjoyed the bible classes given by Pastor Fagerlin and Pastor Gary. "M" was active in her community serving as President of many organizations including The University of Puget Sound Faculty Wives Progressive Study Club, the Fircrest League of Garden Clubs, Petal Pushers Garden Club and the Glass Club #112 and active on the UPSEWomens League. "M" loved classes in flower arranging, china painting, antiques, ceramics and porcelain. A devoted gardener, "M" had an intimate knowledge of plants and flowers and could easily recite names of the many varieties she grew in her beautiful yard and garden. In her free time, she traveled across the U.S. with her children and enjoyed camping in the national parks. In later years she was fond of her travel to other areas of the U.S. and the world including Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and Europe. "M" will be remembered as a woman with an unbridled love and care of her family and friends. Memories of her laughter, wit, smile and sparkle will be cherished forever by those who knew her. Her kindness, generosity and devout belief in the inherent good nature of people was unparalleled. For anyone fortunate enough to have known "M", her presence will be missed dearly and her life honored daily. Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 8 at Redeemer Lutheran Church (Fircrest) 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church or the Scholarship fund of the University of Puget Sound Women's League.
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