Jean Harriet (Anderson) Nelson, 95, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on May 21, 2022, at Bourne Manor in Bourne, MA.
She was born in Fall River, MA, on January 7, 1927, the only daughter of the late Albert and Edith (Kenyon) Anderson. This was the beginning of a life well lived and full of love.
She lived almost all her life in Massachusetts and became the wife to her beloved Paul on September 14th, 1946. Jean made a happy household filled with four sons and one daughter. All of them equally the lights and loves of her life. She filled her home with great food - some cooked upon a big old wood stove in the kitchen. And how many of those meals came with Swedish Apple Pie, Swedish Limpa Bread, Wagon Wheel Dip, Baked Beans, just to name a few.
Throughout her home you could find many of Jean’s handiwork; be it the woolen braided rugs hooked by hand. Or the many ceramic pieces adorning shelves, fireplace mantle, and all corners of the house - especially at the holidays - delighting all the children. Or the beautifully knit and crocheted items- didn’t every grandchild get something special with the little “Made by Gramma Jean” tag inside?. And pictures…all the pictures.. those of ancestors from long ago to the very newest grandchild, proudly and lovingly displayed throughout the entire home. And if you wanted to know, stories to go with each and every one. Jean was happiest when her home was filled with family, food, and laughter. She loved the holidays as these were the times that brought everyone she loved together.
For all the work Jean accomplished at home with her husband, children, and grandchildren, she also knew how to have a good time as well. She and Paul spent many an afternoon going to the ocean beaches - all along the northeastern coast. Her favorite being Rye Beach when the children were small. Later in years Paul and Jean liked to park their camper near Scusset Beach. Camping was a lifelong source of enjoyment for them. They traveled to many camping areas throughout Massachusetts, and took adventures through the mountains of Virginia, and the cornfields of Iowa - All with family, and life long friends. But perhaps the camping place that made #1 on the list was White Lake in Tamworth NH., going back year after year for 60 plus years. Here many lifelong friendships were made as well as memories that will live long in many hearts. Retirement brought them to 2nd homes, one in Plymouth, MA and a much warmer winter home in Hudson, Florida. Both homes, again, not far from the much loved ocean and sun filled beaches.
Jean had a soft spot in heart for animals and birds as well. Boots and Travis were two favorites who spent many hours on Jean’s lap or by her side.
Jean was also known to be an avid Boston sports fan. Many afternoons and evenings were rallied round the TV to cheer on her beloved Bruins, Patriots, or Red Sox. She liked the Celtics too, but Hockey, Football, and Baseball were definitely her favorites. She knew the players, knew their moves, knew the statistics, and was one of the most loyal Boston Fans around - all you had to do was ask.
Jean gave much of herself in everything she did, and was loved greatly in return. She will be greatly missed by all and carried with much love in many hearts.
She is survived by; Son Paul L and Karen Nelson, Son David A and Ann Nelson, Son Mark A and Gail Nelson, Son Peter E and Shannon Nelson, and Daughter Heidi J and Bill Ferris. Grandchildren: Shayna Nelson, Jenna Nelson, Krista and Juan Vazquez, Andrea and Jeff Johnson, Erica and Kevin Crosby, Heather and Pat Spano, Jeremy and Amy Nelson, Tyler and Kathryn Nelson, Chelsey and Eric Yoshikawa, Sonaz and Blake Charlton, and Izaih Safari, Great Grandchildren: Kobi, Forest, Mila, Charlotte, Briana, Trevor, Matthew, Jack, Bella, Paige, Piper, Vincent, and Liliana.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday May 26, 2022, from 10:00 am - 11:30 am at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth St. (Rte. 58 at the rotary) in Whitman, MA. Burial will follow at the National Cemetery on Cape Cod. Consideration of face masks during visiting hours would be greatly appreciated.