Nancy Ellen Nelson

Nancy Ellen Nelson, 80, of Roscoe passed away peacefully Thursday, February 25, 2021 surrounded by her family. Born April 15, 1940 in Rockford, the daughter of Harley and Mildred (Strom) Rothwell. A former member of the Kishwaukee Cemetery Board serving as secretary. Nancy was an award-winning published poet. She also enjoyed many breakfasts at Stockholm Inn with her Friday Breakfast Club. She was a devoted caregiver to her son Bo and was a living example of unconditional love. Nancy was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She always said that her family was her life and showed that with her wonderful homemaking skills. Nancy demonstrated her strong faith in our Lord Jesus Christ through the way she lived her life. She enjoyed music, especially opera, gardening, reading, making jam, refinishing furniture, movies, playing chess and cards and most of all loved playing games with her grandchildren.  

Nancy is predeceased by her husband, Arvid Dale Nelson; son, Brandon Nelson; and great granddaughter, Grace Evans. Survivors include children, Steven (Garnet) Nelson, Lori (David) McGirk, Sherri Nelson, Denise (Robert) Rivera, Shawn (Angela) Nelson, Garrett (Meghan) Nelson; grandchildren, Ryan Nelson, Thomas Nelson, Zachary Nelson, Jordan (Linda) McGirk, Megan (Scott) Evans, Tessa (Daniel) Bressler, Dale (Casandra) McGirk, Ashley Nelson, Ryan Rivera, Devin (Erin) Rivera, Dylan Rivera, Holly (Amber) Bjorge, Marcus (Carlee) Zeller, Rachel (Michael) Mednansky, Claire Nelson, Andrew Nelson; great grandchildren, Benjamin, Malacai, Mariah, Madeline, Yuliana, Edwin, Mackenzie, Charlotte, Sienna, Sebastian, Hadley; brothers, John Rothwell, Thomas (Sandy) Rothwell; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial visitation will be held from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Saturday, April 17, 2021 in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory – Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in her name to Kishwaukee Cemetery Operating Fund.  

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