Donna Lee (Demeritt) (Keough) Nelson, 68, passed away on September 7, 2011 in Salem Hospital. She was the beloved wife of Frederick N. Nelson.
Born in Peabody on Sept. 18, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Ralph M. and Geraldine (McGlue) Demeritt. She was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of Salem High School, Class of 1960. After graduating from nursing school, she worked as a nurse for many years for the Dept. of Youth Services and also enjoyed waitressing over the years. She was devoted to her children and grandchildren and loved spending time with family and her friends. After raising her children in Danvers, she lived at Fuller Pond Village in Middleton. She and her husband traveled extensively all over the world. Highlights of her travels were a three week trip to Alaska, followed by the North Pole, a cruise through the Inside Passage, and ending with a three week trip to 10 countries in Europe.
Besides her husband Frederick, she is survived by a son, Gary Keough of Danvers, a daughter, Kelly DuPont and her husband Jonathan of Beverly, three grandchildren, Ashley and Brooke Keough and Jamie DuPont. She also leaves behind her former husband, Gary “Butch” Keough and his wife Kendal of Peabody, her sister, Joyce Villani of Marblehead, a sister-in-law, Ellen (Belock) Demeritt of SC, her aunt, Leona Farnham of Peabody, two nieces, a nephew and several cousins. She was predeceased by her brother, Air Force Major Ralph Demeritt.
A Graveside Service will be held on Tues, Sept.13, 2011 at 11:30AM in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Sylvan St., Danvers. Visiting hours are Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011 from 3-7PM at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Donna’s name to the American Heart Assoc., P.O. Box, 417005, Boston, MA, 02241.