Mae Nelson

MADISON -Mae Nelson, age 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 25 in her home at Oakwood Village West.

She was born on a dairy farm in Wilton, Wisconsin on October 23, 1917, the fourth and youngest child of John and Alma Thurow. Upon graduation from Sparta BusinessCollege in 1936 she came to Madison and was employed by the federal government. It was here she met Ralph A. Nelson. They were married in 1940 and shared64 wonderful yearstogether.

Mae was employed most of her adult life retiring from the University of Wisconsin, School of Engineering Placement Office in 1984. She remained activebefore and after retirement enjoying her many interests including volunteer work with Westside Coalition and the Midvale Heights Association, membership in the Woman's Club of Madison and theWestmorland Circle of Bethel Lutheran Church, playing bridge with friends, crafting and working at the polls at election time. She was a fan of the UW basketballand football teams, public television and theMilwaukee Brewers.

Mae loved her family and home. Her home wasfilled with music,food, flowers and laughter. She enjoyed decorating, entertaining, cooking, traveling and the pursuits and interests of her family. Her perservence and integrity, her organizational skills, attention todetails, her courage, striving to remain positive, happy and grateful and her sense of humor will always be remembered. She was an example of how to live ones life and we all learned so much from her.

Mae is survived by two daughters, Shirley (Fred) Davie of Madison and Nancy Nelson of Stillwater, MN; two grandchildren, Jacob (Holly) Davie and Anna Davie; two great grandchildren, Corey and Camren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two brothers, and a sister.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers or for those wishingan expression of sympathy memorials may be made in memory of Mae Nelson to Bethel Lutheran Church Media Ministry, 312 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison, WI 53703; HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711; or the Oakwood Foundation, 6201 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705.

The family wishes to thank and acknowledge the people whoprovided care, support, dignity and compassion the past two years. It was Mother's desire to remain in her home. To Drs. Beth O'Brien and Michael Goldrosen, Oakwood Village West personnel, our HospiceCare Inc. team, Supportive Elder Services and the special women who shared the last months with us we will be forever grateful for your presence.

We are all better people for knowing Mae, Mom, Granny, Great Granny, Aunt Mae. Rest in peace.We love you!