Obituary of Nancy Ruth Nelson

Nancy Ruth Nelson, devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday night, January 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 88 years old.

Born in 1936 at the family homestead in Tewksbury, Nancy moved to Woburn at a young age and remained a lifelong resident. She grew up in a home rich with Swedish traditions and recipes, and her family was an active part of the Church of the Open Bible for many years, where many Swedish families in the area gathered to worship.

Nancy graduated from Woburn High School in 1954 and went on to earn her associate's degree from Nyack Bible College in New York. Her strong faith and devotion to her Lord played a central role in bringing her and her husband, Alan, together. They met at the Church of the Open Bible where the congregation felt like an extended family. Nancy sang in the choir and was actively involved in various ministries, including the Children’s Sunday School Ministry, Bible Clubs, and Child Evangelism Fellowship. She worked for many years as the office manager for the Brightway Cleaning Company in Burlington. She also devoted many years as a teacher's assistant at the Open Bible Academy, where some of her children attended. After Sunday services, she often opened her home sharing Sunday dinners, always extending a warm invitation to family, friends and visitors alike.

The "Cottage" on Great Neck in Ipswich became the beloved gathering place for both the Lundquist and Nelson families across four generations. Built by her parents in 1954, it was a humble two-bedroom retreat, yet it was always filled with love, laughter, and togetherness. A sign reading "Welkom” hung over the fireplace, a reminder of the open arms with which Nancy and her family greeted all who visited. In the summer, the cottage was alive with activity, from blueberry muffin breakfasts made with berries from Alan’s blueberry bushes to days spent at the beach swimming, building sandcastles, playing Polly, and collecting beach glass. Evenings were filled with games, storytelling, and Nancy’s infectious sense of humor. Her playful spirit, love for practical jokes, and endless creativity brought joy to everyone. Whether boating to Sandy Point on Plum Island or Crane’s Beach, or simply enjoying one another's company, the cottage remains a place of treasured memories for her family.

Nancy loved her grandchildren and had a genuine interest in their activities. In the words of her grandchildren, “Grammy made sure each of us felt special. She always had our best interests in mind encouraging us to be the best that we could be through the many activities, Bible studies, skill building and arts and crafts at Grammy Camp.  She loves her grandchildren now and forever and she proved it by making every effort to be sure they will be reunited with her once again. Grammy’s warmth and dedication to her family will forever be missed, but her love and lessons will live on in all of us.”

Nancy’s life was a beautiful testament to love, faith, and devotion. Her warmth, generosity, and care for others earned her the affectionate nickname "Mom Nelson" from her children's friends and many others. She gave the most loving hugs, always welcoming others, and creating an atmosphere of joy and belonging wherever she went. Nancy knew her Savior and was ready to meet her Creator. Her faith and prayers have been answered, and though she will be deeply missed by those who remain, her love and memory will forever live on in their hearts. Until they are reunited in heaven, she will remain a cherished presence in their lives.

Nancy was the beloved wife of 66 years of Alan Nelson.  She was the loving and caring mom of Eric Nelson of Lowell, Martin Nelson & his wife Francine of Woburn, Ruth Adams of Chicopee, Marjorie Lemay & her husband Paul of Wilton, NH, Susan Rudolph & her husband Stephen of Methuen, and Keith Nelson of Woburn. She was predeceased by her siblings Marjorie Winchell, Richard Lundquist, and David Lundquist.   She was the proud grandmother of Julia Nelson, Jennifer Nelson, Omar B. Adams, Zachary Adams, Samuel Adams, Jacquelyn Lemay, Eric Lemay, Grace Lemay, Krystine Stonis & her husband Steven, Stevie Rudolph & her fiancée Joshua Miller, Adam Rudolph, and Andrea Rudolph.  She was the great grandmother of Kayla Stonis and Hunter Stonis.

A memorial service for Nancy will be held at the Salem Bible Church, www.salembible.org, 11 Ermer Road, Salem, NH on January 25 at 11 a.m.  All are invited to attend.  There will be refreshments to follow.  A private graveside service was held on Friday, January 10 at Woodbrook Cemetery in Woburn.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Nancy’s name may be made to Samaritan’s Purse or Tunnels to Towers. Arrangements by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, Burlington.  For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net