Lucille Hellen Nelson

Lucille Hellen Nelson, 102, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Monday, September 27, 2021. Lucille was born on February 14, 1919 in Traverse City to the late Charles and Mildred (St. John) Peck. She married the late William L. Nelson in Traverse City on December 24, 1937. Together they raised two wonderful children Sandy and Don. Before she started her family, she proudly earned her certificate from Cosmetology School in Grand Rapids. Eventually, she would move back to the area and she enjoyed working in the family business of Nelson’s Pottery Farm. William poured and fired the molds and she taught the classes. She was so talented with painting, quilting, sewing and playing the violin She was a devoted member at the Grawn United Methodist Church. Also, she was a proud member of the Boardman Valley gal’s and the last to survive the group. Surviving Lucille is her daughter Sandra Gilbert, grandchildren Tammy (Dan) Harrigan, Dave (Kitty) Gilbert, Greg (Joanna Spangler) Gilbert, Sarah (James) VanHaaren, Courtney (Bill) Bagley, great-grandchildren, Shanley (Brett) Harrigan-DeBoever, Caitlin Harrigan, Dave (Jessica) Gilbert, Jon Gilbert, Justin (Lisa) Gilbert, Nicholas, Michelle, and Mallory Gilbert, Maurine (John) Westover, Darbie Merillet, Sean Derek, Elijah Merrillet, Hailey VanHaaren, James VanHaaren Jr., Kali Wiseman, Mia VanHaaren, several great-great grandchildren, her brother Cecil Peck, Gladys (Floyd) Kevwitch, and many other loving family members and friends. Lucille is preceded in death by her parents, husband William, Son Donald, sisters, Irene Wilson, Dorothy Korn, brother Duard, both step-parents, 11 step-siblings, and son-in-law Dave Gilbert. Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at the Grawn United Methodist Church with a visitation beginning at 11am. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall following the service. Burial has taken place at the Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. To honor Lucille’s artistic flair please dress comfortably in your bright colors. The family would like to thank the Comfort Keepers; Pat and Kelly, Kari with Palliative Care, the Commission on Aging; Clarissa, Heartland Hospice team, and Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home for taking such good care, and helping the family thru this difficult time. Memorial contributions may be directed to Grawn United Methodist Church or Traverse City Beauty College. Kindly share thoughts and memories with Lucille’s family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

Lucille Hellen Nelson

February 14, 1919 - September 27, 2021