Connie Nelson

LOUISIANA — Connie Rose (Howard) Nelson, 82, formerly of Naples, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 22, 2016.

She was born in Columbus, Kansas, a daughter of Walter Howard Sr. and Leda Lee Howard. Connie was the beloved wife of the late John Nelson Jr. who retired from the U.S. Navy after 27 years of service prior to serving as a Pastor to several churches where Connie served as secretary. Connie loved serving and sharing with the wonderful people who made up the congregations of the Casco, Raymond and East Raymond churches. Connie started to share her love of God at the St. Charles Ave. Church in New Orleans, La., where she grew up.

She returned to Gretna, La., after her children were grown and moved on in life. There she cared for her ill mother until she passed away. Connie moved in and cared for her dear friend, Dorothy Roessle for 20 plus years. After Dorothy passed away she moved back into her mother's home in Gretna.

Connie satisfied her love of music by singing with the Sweet Adelines until she had to stop due to declining health. She enjoyed visits from her dear friends from her church. Connie rekindled a special friendship with her longtime friend Sidney Boner. They enjoyed sharing time talking about their love of books, poetry, church and many other topics. He brought a lot of enjoyment and brightness into her life. She was blessed with very giving and special neighbors, who took very good care of her as she became less able to do things for herself. Connie's life was filled with the love of giving to all those around her and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

She was predeceased by her grandson, Jeffery Scott Nelson. Surviving are her two sons, Todd J. Nelson and his wife Nancy and Brian J. Nelson and his wife Terry; her daughter, Mari Nelson-Fernald and her husband Alvin; her grandson, Travis John Nelson and his wife Jessica; and her great-grandchildren, Madelyn Nelson, Benjamin Nelson, Nicholas Nelson and Jamie Nelson.

Visiting hours will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17 at Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Rd. Casco. A private committal service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Naples Rescue in honor of Connie and John Nelson, at 1100 Roosevelt Trail, Naples, ME 04055.