Mary Nelson
September 29, 1927 — December 18, 2017
Mary Nelson, age 90, passed away peacefully at her home in Saint George Utah, on 18 December 2017. She was born Maria Chaparro on September 29, 1927 in Nogales, Arizona, one of five children of Ramon Chaparro and Adelaida Norieaga.
She married Alan R. Nelson on June 8, 1957 in Tucson, Arizona. They had three children.
Mary was a baptized Catholic and a devout Christian, but also had a high regard for the Latter- Day Saints for the care and support they provided.
Mary spent most of her life taking care of her husband and raising her daughters, and spending time with her grandson. She was a loving wife and wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She enjoyed family gatherings, cooking, gardening, yard sales, animals, trips to Wendover, and activities at the senior center. Mary led a simple life filled with joy, humor, and laughter. She will truly be missed by all.
“Don’t cry at my grave, ‘cause I won’t be there. I’ll be in the breeze that rustles your hair. I’ll be in the sunshine, I’ll be in the snow, I’ll be in the place we used to go. I’ll be in your laughter and in funny things, I’ll be in your shadow and there in your dreams. I’ll be in your greeting but not in your good-byes. I’ll be in your reflection of your loving eyes. I’ll always be with you and I’ll always care. So don’t cry at my grave ‘cause I won’t be there.”
Mary is survived by her two daughters, Jody (Glen) Hill, Saint George, UT., Judy (Tim) Legel, Port St. Lucie, FL., and one grandson Tyler (Kelle) Strand, Kaysville, UT.
Also surviving are three nieces Nugget Fields, MN., Maria Sermeno, MI., Debbie Rice, MI., and three nephews Billy Stone, AZ., Ronnie Rice, MI., and Donnie Rice, MI., and sister-in-law Willy Nelson, UT.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Lupe Chaparro, Mary Louise Rice, Adelia Stone, brother Ramon Chaparro, niece Sharon Stone and daughter Trina Nelson.
A private memorial service with family members was held in Saint George Utah.
Condolences may be shared at mcmillanmortuary.com