Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Nelson
September 5, 1930 - November 19, 2024
With great sadness, we announce the passing of our family’s matriarch Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Nelson on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.
Born in Port Huron, MI on September 5, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Margaret and Albert J. Sibilla, Sr. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother (Gram), great-grandmother (Great Gram), aunt, and friend to everyone she met.
Betty was a woman of great faith and gratitude who always trusted in God’s plan for her. In her later years, she devoted almost two hours daily to praying for everyone she loved. Her proudest accomplishment in life was the family she created with her husband, Kenneth W. Nelson, Sr., whom she married in 1951 and shared 46 years of marriage with before his passing in 1997.
In addition to her parents and husband, Betty was preceded in death by her sons, James and John. She is survived by 7 of her 9 children, Kathleen Wilson, Susan Newell (Michael), Kenneth W. Nelson, Jr., Michael Nelson (Debra), Mary Santo, Joseph Nelson, and Margaret Will (James). She was blessed with the love and admiration of 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and she was looking forward to the birth of two more in 2025. Betty is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
In Betty’s own words, written in a letter to her kids, “I have lived and loved to the fullest. My only wish is that you could all experience the ‘highs’ I have received from living in God’s wonderful world. Please enjoy every minute for me. Don’t waste a minute.”
During her lifetime she enjoyed sailing, skiing, swimming, golfing, bowling, traveling, reading, working jigsaw puzzles, calling and mailing cards to family and friends, and sharing her well-detailed stories. Most importantly she cherished spending time with her large and growing family. Betty truly lived and loved, never wasting a minute!
The family would like to thank Nicki, Cassandra, and Dr. Kenneth Trzepkowski for the compassionate care they provided to Betty during the last year of her life.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 am until 10 am on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 am, following the visitation, at St. Joseph Parish, 319 East Main Street, Middletown, DE. Interment will be held privately in Mt. Hope Catholic Cemetery, Port Huron, MI.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s memory to AccentCare Hospice, 17855 North Dallas Parkway, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75287 or online by clicking here.
Sara
Although I met Betty briefly at Max and Nicole’s wedding I recognized her energetic, fun spirit and so appreciate the great genes and character she’s passed down to my daughter in law, Nicole. Betty certainly lived a remarkably full life, my condolences to the family.
Carol Simpson
My deepest condolences to Mary and family 🙏🏽
Randy Roberts
So very sorry to hear of the passing of “Mrs. Nelson”. Reminded me of the days in Penn Acres when all of us kids were growing up. She was a sweet and kind lady. Sending condolences to the entire family, from a former next-door neighbor.
Corrina Simpson
I’m so sorry for your loss Mary! My deepest condolences to you and your family. My prayers are with you all!
Love,
Maya and Corrina
Sally (Shelton) Fraticelli
My sincere condolences to the Nelson family. Although I have not seen your mother for years, I remember her as a lovely lady. Your family is in my prayers!
Ken Murray
1972. That’s when I remember meeting Betty and Ken. Betty worked with my wife Beverly and Betty made Ken give me a job at Salem Nuclear Generating Station. Our lives quickly improved and we gained a great babysitter with Mary. The Nelsons were a great extended family and I even met more Nelson’s when I was transferred to Port Huron and was welcomed be Ken’s mother with a temporary room in her house. We lost touch years ago, but Betty has always been loved for her friendship and generosity. Rest in peace Betty and may the family’s memories help to move her forward in your lives. 🙏
Shirley Green
Kathy, so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dave & Cheryl Carey
Joe & family, so saddened to learn of you loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
George & Rita Ryor
We did not know this lady but she seemed like a lady we would have liked to know. A very loving person with a great family.
We pray that God has a special place for her in His kingdom.
Gladys Hagan
My deepest condolences to Sue and her family.
I hope the happy memories you’ve shared give you peace and comfort.
My thoughts are with you.
Dave & Cheryl Carey
Joe & family,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Hugs.