Helen Nelson

---- — BRADENTON, Fla. — Helen R. Nelson, 78, of Bradenton, Fla., formerly of Traverse City, passed away May 25, 2011, in Bradenton. She was born Helen Ricarda Jacobs on Aug. 20, 1932, in Detroit to the late Alvin R. "Bill" Jacobs and his wife, Helen G. Jacobs.Helen "Rikki" was a graduate of the Leelanau School and went on to study art at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She also carried a degree from Davenport College in Grand Rapids in business administration. She served as executive administrator of Trans Michigan Airlines for several years. Rikki also worked for the City of Traverse City for a number of years. She was active with the Commission on Aging and served as the first executive director of RiverView, a job she thoroughly enjoyed.While at Leelanau, she became an accomplished skier and ski patrol member, and a member of the National Ski Patrol. She was very active in the American Red Cross. An accomplished seamstress, pianist and artist, she loved animals, especially Raffles, her dog.One of her special accomplishments was being the director of the Prayer Shawl Ministry at the Kirkwood Presbyterian Church in Bradenton. She and the ladies of her group made many shawls for those who were going through difficult times.She is survived by her sister, Patricia J. "Patte" Richards, of Traverse City; her brother, A. Richard "Dick" Jacobs and his wife, Kay Jacobs, of Bradenton. She is also survived by her daughter, Anne M. Canvasser, of Midland; son, Stephen C. Olson, of Glenwood Springs Colo.; stepchildren, Karyn Anderson, Peggy Hensley and her husband, Scott Hensley, Fred Nelson; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her husband of 20 years, Kenneth L. Nelson.A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 18, in the Garden of Reynolds-Jonkoff Funeral Home on Sixth Street, Traverse City.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the American Red Cross and Westminster Presbyterian Church, Traverse City.Arrangements are being made by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.