"Dear Sally, Julie, Tom and families, We are thinking of you this morning as you celebrate the life of your Mom and Grandmother, Carolyn. She was a wonderful woman and a beautiful soul. She always greeted us with a smile and we knew she was happy to see us; we enjoyed her company on those occasions as we were warmly welcomed into her presence. You will cherish today and the memories of the past, and know that someday you will be reunited. With our prayers we wish you well and please know that Carolyn is missed by many but all are grateful to have had her in their lives."
In loving memory of
Carolyn A. Nelson
Carolyn A. Nelson, age 86, graduated from life in Phoenix, Arizona on February 8, 2019. She was born in Iowa and moved with her family to Watford City, North Dakota, as a high school senior. She married high school sweetheart, Mylo Eklund in 1951. He died in 1969. She married Robert Nelson, of Warren, Minnesota in 1974.
Carolyn earned her Bachelor's degree from Minot State College in Minot, North Dakota and her Master's degree in education from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. She impacted many lives while teaching in Minnesota and Arizona.
She and Robert Nelson retired in Yuma, Arizona. Robert passed away in 2006.
Carolyn was preceded in death by two siblings, and one son. She is survived by her brother; five children; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Carolyn's graduation with honors will be celebrated at a Celebration of Life at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at All Saints Lutheran Church, 15649 N. 7th Street, Phoenix 85022. On June 29, 2019 a Memorial service will be held in Warren, Minnesota at 11:00AM at the Greenwood Cemetery. Carolyn's wish was that in lieu of flowers, gifts be made to her selected philanthropic organization, Outreach360 at https://donate.outreach360.org/carolynnelson or mailed to Outreach360, 7954 W. Fetlock Trail, Peoria, AZ 85383. Visit https://hansenmortuary.wpengine.com for condolences.
Tributes
"I extend my condolences to the family that Carolyn left behind only to be reunited at some time in the future. She will greet all of you with her love and I'm sure, she will have some cinnamon rolls ready for each. Carolyn was always very generous in so many ways and I'm sure I will miss mentioning many. When the situation called for it, she would tell us how she took on a new husband and increased her family to six teen-agers from the three that she had. That's monumental!. She shared her time volunteering at the Assistance League and always had time for her wonderful cinnamon rolls with neighbors from all around to enjoy them. Enjoy we did. She was the first to plan parties for her closest neighbor and planned and pulled off the party of parties for Bert's 100th birthday. I know she gave her all when it came to her teaching. Carolyn has already been missed these last few years when she moved to Phoenix and I do have to say that I am so happy that I found the opportunity to visit her early on after she left Yuma. Jesus said: "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so I would tell you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you with me that you also may be where I am. " We know where Carolyn resides and we shall meet again. Yes, Heaven is for real."
"Julie and Joy, I know how much you loved your Mom/grandma and how you ensured you had quality time with her over and over again! She treasured you as much as you treasured her. You gave her more life experiences than she could have ever dreamed of. And for all those fabulous times, your gift now is a lifetime of memories...laughter, smiles, gasps, and real belly laughs. Have peace now that she is in a healthy body, full of life again and enjoying the reunion of her family and friends in Heaven. Heaven is for real you know!"
"Offering sincere condolences during your time of bereavement. May God wrap his loving arms around you and take away your pain. Saying goodbye to someone we love is never easy, but through God's word, prayer and the loving support of family and friends, may you be comforted. Psalms 147:3"
"What a classy lady! Carolyn and I were both volunteers at the Assistance League of Yuma Thrift Shop and she was so dedicated to helping others . . . especially the disadvantaged children of Yuma County. Carolyn was also an active member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, the same chapter as I, Chapter Q. After she moved to Phoenix, Carolyn was often in our thoughts as you all are now. Share your many memories of happier times with Carolyn. Blessings -- Beverly Stallman"
"My deepest condolences on the loss of your dear loved one. Please take solace in the fact that it is possible to see your loved one again. May the god of comfort be with you in this difficult time. 2 Corinthians 1:3"
"My prayers are with you all!! I am so very sorry for your lose. The few visits I had with Carolyn we talked about how much she loved her family. I wish I could give each of you a hug and be there with you all at her Celebration of Life. I will be there in spirit for certain! My tears are real and I know how much you all loved her!! She will live in your "hearts" forever!!"