Elizabeth Kates Smith Nelson 1928-2008

My mother-in-law, Bette Nelson, died Saturday morning. She was 80 and suffered from Alzheimer's disease. She had been in a nursing home for almost four years.

Bette was married to Lt. Col. (ret.) George W. Nelson for 56 years. They had seven children, David, Garry, Chris (my husband), Tim, Greg, Patrick and Lesley, and seven grandchildren, Jake Nelson (my son); Sarah Adams, Rachel Adams, Hannah Adams and Julia Adams (Lesley's daughters); Laura Nelson (Garry's daughter) and Alex Nelson (Greg's son).

Bette was a wonderful grandmother. She enjoyed babies and toddlers most, and she loved taking care of Jake when he was little. She also loved the beach, and, until she was not able to go any more because of her worsening disease, she rented a house for at least a week every summer at Sunset Beach, N.C. Her favorite activity was sitting in the sun and reading, but she played in the surf and the sand with the children.

Born in New Jersey and trained as a nurse, Bette was a housewife for most of her life. Because her husband was in the Army, she spent quite a few years moving around. They were posted to Germany when her oldest child was a baby, but most of their postings were in the United States -- New Jersey, California, Georgia and North Carolina.

Bette was a good mother-in-law. She was helpful in taking care of Jake, and she was never interfering or intrusive. I have missed her for quite a few years now, but I am glad that my son and I got to know her. The photo with this post is from 2004, right after Bette moved to a nursing home.

Comments

[David Nelson]

Thanks for the nice tribute, Pam. Even though she was 'gone' some years ago, the finality of death does ramp up the level of loss. I'll have a story or two for you when I visit next month. -- David

[Susan S. Kline]

I was saddened to hear of Aunt Bette's passing. I always thought she was such a cool person.

Her and my Dad would make yearly trips to Swedesboro for their 'all school' reunions. I know they both enjoyed the time they spent together then.

When she would visit, she was great with my boys when they were little. She would bring them gifts and sit on the floor and play with each boy.

~Susan Elizabeth Smith Kline~

[Pam Nelson]

Thank you, Susan. Jake still feels the loss of Grandmom. He misses the family gathering at the beach in the summer and at Bette and George's house at Christmas.

The service in July was moving. The minister who conducted the service was able to speak of Bette in a way that reminded us all who she was and what she meant to her family.