Obituary of Delores J. Nelson

Delores Joyce Nelson, 88, also known affectionately as Dee or Toots by her friends and family, passed peacefully, on Sunday, May 15, 2016 at Heritage Park in Jamestown, NY. As a lifelong area resident, Delores was born on November 23, 1927 in Jamestown, NY. She was the daughter of John L. and Minnie E. (Anderson) Nelson. In recent years, she was a resident at Heritage's Orchard Grove Residences in Jamestown, NY as well as Brookdale (formerly Emeritus) in Lakewood, NY. Delores was proud of Jamestown and appreciated the beauty of its four seasons, often noting changes in weather in her daily calendar. A talented storyteller, she would often keep those around her in fits of laughter after sharing one of her many stories or jokes. In later years, Delores became an avid knitter, making and giving away countless receiving blankets to new parents. But asked what her true passions were, she would respond quickly with three: good food, good music, and Frank Sinatra. A woman of her own convictions, she worked 42 years for Prudential Insurance in Jamestown, NY starting the day after she graduated from Jamestown High School in 1945. Of both Swedish and Danish descent, Delores belonged to the Viking and Thule Lodges, as well as the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Donald L. Nelson, and two sisters, Edwina Holmquist and Ethel M. Lawson. She is survived by a nephew, Donald Nelson of Aurora, Colorado, and three nieces, Winanne (Nelson) Lesswing of Manlius, New York, Janice (Nelson) Hayes of Sierra Madre, California, and Ann (Lawson) Hanson of Jamestown, New York. A private service will be held at Sunset Hill where her remains will be buried with her sister, Ethel M. Lawson. Donations in memory of Delores may be made either to HOSPICE Chautauqua County Inc, 20 W. Fairmount Ave, Lakewood, NY 14750 or to the Delores J. Nelson Scholarship established at the School of Music at Fredonia State University of New York, Mason Hall, Fredonia, New York 14063. The scholarship fund was set up by Delores for students with demonstrated interest in American popular songs of the 20th century. You may light a candle in remembrance of Delores at www.lindfuneralhome.com.