Nancy Jo Nelson

Nancy Jo Nelson (Crain) passed away peacefully on April 15, 2020 in Rochester, Minnesota from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. For her entire life, Nancy was a believer in God and in the power of prayer and we know she is in heaven now with a big smile on her face, reuniting with loved ones, singing with the angels, and meeting her Creator for whom she was always a faithful disciple. Nancy was born in Cairo, IL on August 31, 1936 to Joseph and Alline Crain. She is survived by her older brother, James Crain. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Speech Education from Southern Illinois University and her Master’s Degree in Christian Education from Hartford Seminary. She loved her husband, Charles Nelson, with all her heart and they were blessed with an adventured-filled life together of 56 years. She showered their three children, Charlene Nelson (Tim Bloch), Jolene Fong (Luis Fong de los Santos) and Kevin Nelson (Shannon Stelzer) with abiding love. She adored her four grandchildren, Danielle, Gavin, Marshall and Nora and especially loved singing songs with them. “I Love you, A Bushel and a Peck” and “Would You Like to Swing on a Star”, were two of her favorites. She was a proud business woman, serving many years as Vice President and marketing manager of her family’s manufacturing company, Crain Enterprises. After her retirement, Nancy served as a substitute teacher in St. Paul Public Schools, teaching English as a Second Language to high school students. Other things Nancy loved: her United Church of Christ church families in Falcon Heights, MN and Sarasota, FL, researching family genealogy, playing bridge with friends, going out to eat, planting rose bushes, going to musicals, taking summer road trips with her family, bird watching, singing, stopping at each and every garage sale she ever encountered, Shih Tzus, red wine, coconut pie, and of course, Coca Cola (her cure for all ailments). Nancy enjoyed helping anyone and everyone and one of her greatest passions was working with refugee families. She also advocated for love and acceptance of all people and was a proponent of the advancement of women’s rights. She taught her family how to love deeply, laugh generously, and to always be the helper. Chuck and the family know she is with us and will be watching over us.

Details of Nancy's Celebration of Life will be communicated at later date. 

Memorial Donations may be made in the name of Nancy Jo Nelson to Seasons Hospice, 1696 Greenview Dr. SW, Rochester, MN, 55902

***Click on MEMENTOS tab to see Nancy's Celebration of Life video***