"Mothers are like glue. Even when you can't see them, they're still holding the family together." - Susan Gale
Obituary
Sylvia Jean Nelson was a small, but mighty and fierce woman. She passed away on March 26, 2025, at the age of 75 in Pensacola, Florida. Born on January 13, 1950 in Virginia, Sylvia leaves behind a lasting legacy through her beloved husband, Michael Duane Nelson, their three wonderful children and their spouses, five cherished grandchildren, and their great-grandchild whom Sylvia deeply adored.
Throughout her life, Sylvia wore many hats—each one with grace, determination, and a dash of humor. Later in life, she discovered she had a keen eye for photography, capturing moments of beauty in nature or of her family. She also discovered she had a talent for golf - which she took up after retirement to spend extra time with her husband. She loved to cook and experiment in the kitchen for her family and was relentless in her pursuit of new recipes and making family favorites through the years. Her life-long love of sewing and quilting was a testament to her patience and attention to detail. Sylvia gifted her quilts or clothing she made to those she loved - she was working on a quilt right up until she unexpectedly passed away.
Sylvia's journey was not defined solely by her hobbies. She was a mother who didn't just tell her daughters how to live life, she showed them. She volunteered as an EMT in her community when she was still a very young mother, then later went to school to get her degree to become a psychiatric nurse. She graduated at the top in her class while she had three young children in elementary school - often all of them doing homework together at the dining room table. Later, she would quit nursing to care for her ailing in-laws so they did not have to enter a nursing home. All her actions demonstrated her lifelong dedication to helping others and making a difference in her community and to her family - not because you should, but simply because you can. In Sylvia's world, hard work was not just a necessity but a pathway to reward, a principle she instilled deeply in her daughters.
Sylvia was strong and opinionated, unafraid to voice her thoughts, but was also a trusted confidante to her family and close friends. A celebration of life will take place on April 12, 2025, observing Sylvia's wishes for a private gathering of family and close friends. It will be a time to honor the strong spirit that she was, sharing stories of her life and joyful memories.
Sylvia Jean Nelson taught us all the true value of being present for those you love and that helping hands and hard work lead not only to accomplishments, but to a life of profound impact and enduring affection. Her legacy continues in the hearts of her family, forever touched by her unwavering love and inspirational journey.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Michael Duane Nelson, three daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer (Joe) , Michelle (Kevin), and Elizabeth, five beloved grandchildren, Noah, Sophia (Max), Kaitlin, Aleks, and Nikolai, and her adored great-grandchild, Sage Louise.
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Memory wall
(Title) Maintaining Your Essence
Now that you’re gone from this great earth,
Our hearts will ache with sadness.
But where you’ve gone – to be with our Lord –
Fills our hearts with gladness.
Typically, we’ll continue to mourn,
As we miss your physical presence.
But our memories of you, throughout the coming years,
Will help us maintain your essence.
-- W. Marie Giles
