Nan Harp Nelson

Nan Nelson (nee Schmalz) passed away peacefully on August 20, 2024 at Mary’s Woods in Lake Oswego, OR. Nan was born in Jersey City, NJ. She was raised in Darien, CT and graduated from Darien High School in 1949.

In 1953, Nan graduated from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY with a major in Home Economics specializing in clothing and textile. Nan married Raymond Ryder Nelson, a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in 1953. They lived in Concord, MA for many years with their three children, Alan R. Nelson of Beaverton, OR, Keith E. Nelson of Baton Rouge, LA and Karen E. Kahler of Fort Collins, CO.

Nan was very active in church and community activities wherever she lived. She was an avid knitter and her beautiful baby sweaters have been enjoyed by family members and friends across the country. She and Ray enjoyed a wonderful retirement in Hilton Head, SC. After Ray died in 2005, Nan moved to Mary’s Woods in Lake Oswego, OR where she served on numerous resident commitees and enjoyed being close to family.

Nan is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond R. Nelson and her parents Rev. Alfred and Kathryn Schmalz. She is survived by her children, Alan (Laura), Keith (Nina) and Karen (Quain); brother Robert Schmalz (Anne); grandchildren Daniel Nelson (Alissa), Craig Nelson (Kelly), Robert Kahler (Anna), James Kahler, GiGi Nelson, and Ryder Nelson; and great-grandchildren Anna Nelson, Clara Nelson, Edward Nelson, and Felix Nelson

A grave side service will be held at the Beaufort National Cemetery in Beaufort, SC at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be given to the Resident Fund at Mary’s Woods, Lake Oswego, OR https://maryswoods.org/about/giving/

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