NELSON, Elaine Patricia
June 4, 1950 - December 2, 2014
It is with great sadness after many years of living with dementia, Pat Nelson passed away on December 2, 2014 at the Drumheller Continuing Care Facility surrounded by her family and friends. Pat was the first born of three children to Bill and Elaine Wilson of Delia, on June 4, 1950. Pat grew up on the family farm ¾ of a mile east of Delia where she attended high school. There Pat’s passion for basketball won her many accolades and was also the place where she met the love of her life, Don Nelson. They were married July 19, 1969 in Delia. Two years later Don and Pat had their first child, a daughter, Tracy and then followed the arrival of their second child, a son, Cory. Don and Pat raised their family in Delia where Pat remained a stay at home mom until she began working at the Delia School as the secretary for many years. A great accomplishment in Pat’s life was attending Red Deer College and receiving her Social Work Diploma as well as maintaining employment at Drumheller Social Services. She continued to work there until she was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 58. Although Pat worked a great deal, she always made time to contribute to the community that she knew and loved. Just a few of the organizations that she gave her time to were the Delia Municipal Library, Delia Historical Society and Communities In Bloom. Pat was often able to showcase her amazing baking and cooking skills for many community events. She was a woman who enjoyed reading, camping, snowmobiling and was always up for a good game of Scrabble. But above all her friends and family meant the most to her. The most joyful occasions in Pat’s life were spending quality time with her 3 granddaughters Caitlin, Nicole and Samantha. We can now see how the girls have taken on many of her interests; including basketball, baking, cooking and her love of music. Pat leaves to mourn her: daughter Tracy (Darren) Wolf of Morrin, son Cory (Deeon) Nelson of Delia; granddaughters Caitlin and Nicole Wolf and Samantha Nelson. Brothers Bill (Frances) Wilson and Dave Wilson of Calgary. In-laws Dale (Donna) Nelson, Connie Trout, Doreen Nelson, Brian Nelson, Colleen (Gordon) McKay and Cindy (Kelly) Montgomery and numerous nieces and nephews. Pat was predeceased by her loving husband of 43 years Don, by father and mother Bill and Elaine Wilson, father and mother in-law Willis and Jean Nelson, brothers-in-laws Bob Nelson and Darrell Trout. Pat was a very kind, gentle and caring person who left a lasting impression on everybody. Respecting Pat’s wishes, there will be a private family service held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton AB T5H 4K1. Courtney-Winters Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements (403 823 2666).
