formerly of Seven Lakes, died on Monday, April 18. Nancy and her husband, Roger, retired from teaching in 1985 and lived for more than 25 years in Seven Lakes before moving to Williamsburg Virginia in 2010.
She was preceded in death by her husband Roger, and by her parents Roland and Caroline. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law Virginia and Ed Reynolds, her sons Thomas and James Neilson, her grandchildren Ryan, Abbie Layne, and Mitch, her great grandson Teddy, and her loyal dog, Bandit.
Remarkably, Mrs. Neilson passed away on the birthday of her late husband. She loved Roger deeply, and we think the timing was no accident.
Mrs. Neilson graduated from George School, a private Quaker high school near Newtown, PA. She then attended Endicott Junior College, and graduated from East Stroudsburg State University in Pennsylvania.
She was an elementary school teacher, specializing in teaching third and fourth grade. She was a loving wife and mother, and devoted herself to raising children and nurturing her family.
Mrs. Neilson was also an avid gardener, a gifted painter whose medium was watercolor, an accomplished pianist, and a very, very, very enthusiastic photographer.
In addition, she was a devoted supporter of Mr. Neilson's successful football coaching career. His former football players continued to seek out Nancy's advice and guidance over the years, a practice they maintained even through the last few weeks of her life.
The Neilsons enjoyed traveling after they retired, visiting over forty countries. Mrs. Neilson was a lifelong supporter of the Silver Bay YMCA Conference and Family Retreat Center in upstate New York, vacationing there often from her childhood through her later years. A small family memorial service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Silver Bay YMCA, 87 Silver Bay Road, Silver Bay, NY 12874, or the Roger Neilson Football Scholarship Fund, Pulaski Academy Central School, 2 Hinman Road, Pulaski, NY, 13142.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.nelsencares.com.
