Louise L. Nelson

CUMMAQUID — Louise Larkin Nelson died on Nov. 26, 2007, after a short illness.

Born in Waltham, she lived most of her early life in Hudson and Silver Beach. She was a member of the Colby-Sawyer School, Class of 1932, and graduated from Wheaton College in 1936.

Married to her lifelong beau, P. Gordon Nelson, in 1937, they lived in Brockton, for several years before settling in Barnstable.

Louise was an active member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Barnstable. Throughout her many years of service to the church, she served on the vestry and was the head of the Altar Guild for more than 35 years. Throughout these years, she graced the altar with many beautiful floral arrangements and assisted with many of St. Mary's beautification and garden projects.

She was also very involved with Cape Cod Hospital. For many years, Louise was active with the Northside Women's Hospital Aide Association and served a term as president of the Capewide Women's Hospital Aide Association. She also served on the hospital's board of corporators. In addition, she volunteered for weekly duties, and until recently, spent many hours welcoming at the front desk.

Louise loved to travel and was involved in several around-the-world adventures. She brought this international flavor to Barnstable by hosting several exchange students and their families for extended stays on the Cape.

When not traveling and volunteering, Louise loved to sail with Gordon on the Cape waters. She was a member of the Barnstable Yacht Club and the Cape Cod Cruising Club.

The daughter of E. Lester Larkin and Irene Ballantyne Larkin, she is survived by her husband of 70 years, P. Gordon Nelson, and two sons, Cy Nelson and his wife Weezie of Barnstable, and Philip Nelson and his wife Molly of San Francisco; three grandchildren, Christine Eldridge of Rowley, Kim Nelson of Fort Collins, Colo., and Laurie Nelson of Wendell; and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 3, 2007, at 11 a.m., in St. Mary's Church, Route 6A, Barnstable. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Healthcare Foundation, PO Box 370, Hyannis, MA 02601-9978, or to St. Mary's Church, PO Box 395, Barnstable, MA 02630.