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Nancy Nelson, 85, died Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020 in her daughter’s home following a period of failing health.
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Born February 16, 1935, in Toledo, OH, Nancy attended Hillsdale College in MI, and then worked as a third-grade teacher in Detroit, MI, and as an airline stewardess for Capital and United Airlines before moving to Birmingham, MI with her first husband, William Neu (deceased).
Seventeen years later, in 1976, Nancy married her second husband, John Nelson, and lived with him in Wickford, RI, as well as in Hancock, MA, before they settled into their bayside Durham, NH, home for 42 years. They spent their remaining years in Kittery, ME, and in Atlanta, GA. While in Durham, Nancy worked as a Welcome Wagon Representative, was a long-standing and active member of the Durham Art Club, was a volunteer at Theater by the Sea, and an art docent at University of New Hampshire.
Nancy was also a prolific watercolor, oil, and pastel artist, whose work was displayed in numerous regional venues for over 40 years. The slideshow above shows a few of her paintings.
She was well known for her gregariousness, her spontaneity, and her enthusiasm for life. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her and loved her. Her ashes will be spread along the New England seacoast.
Survivors include:
Her husband, John Nelson
Her brother, Boyd Fackler & her daughter Ryan NeuCollins
Her grandchildren Tempest, Seabury, and Zabet, and her great-grandaughters Ainsley and Alma. The slideshow above showcases Nancy with her family throughout the years.
We encourage you to donate to Nancy Nelson's memory in lieu of flowers or other memorials, and have set up a scholarship fund. Please email Ryan NeuCollins (Nancy's daughter) for more information. ryanneuc@gmail.com
Additional photos contributed by friends: