Nelly Gordon

Nelly Gordon

Amherst, MA - Nelly Gordon, age 90, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family after a short illness on August 13, 2025.

Nelly was born in Tula, Hidalgo, Mexico to Rodolfo and Margarita Garcia on November 30, 1934. Due to her father's job, the family lived in many states in Mexico. Nelly spent her formative years in Pachuca, Hidaglo before earning a degree in Chemistry from the Universidad Autónoma de México. In 1957, she accepted a one-year position in Chicago at the Michael Reese Children's Hospital. Nelly arrived in Chicago without knowing any English, but with determination and the help of her new friends and by watching soap operas, she quickly learned English. She lived at the International House at the University of Chicago. It was there that she met many life-long friends and a dashing PhD student named Glen Gordon. Glen wooed Nelly with his talented piano playing and his ability to speak Spanish.

Nelly and Glen married in 1959 in Mexico City. They moved to East Lansing where Glen taught at Michigan State University. Their daughters Vivian and Elena were born there. In 1966, Glen accepted a position at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA. Together, they raised three daughters-Vivian, Elena "Dina", and Lillian, instilling in them a deep appreciation for language, culture, and family. Glen and Nelly shared a marriage full of love and travel adventures until Glen's passing in 2020. Together they traveled to Spain, Italy, Portugal, Turkey and Greece. They also spent countless number of times at their home in Queretaro, Mexico.

A pioneer in education, Nelly began teaching Spanish in 1971 as a volunteer at the elementary school level, at a time when French was considered the only viable language offering. She brought her toddler along to those early classes, setting an example of courage and innovation. Later, she taught Spanish at Holyoke Community College, Elms College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She also shared her passions for tai chi and Mexican dance, teaching her daughters, elementary students and her grandson's classmates, as well as practicing tai chi for more than 25 years.

Nelly's vibrant spirit found expression in countless ways. She loved her trips to California to visit Vivian and her family. She loved cooking, thrifting, traveling, and dancing, especially Mexican folkloric dances, which she joyfully shared with her daughters at festivals. She enjoyed time at the senior center with her daughter Dina, attending tai chi and the café, as well as Monday night mariachi concerts with Lillian and David. She was a longtime member of the University Women's Club, where she enjoyed their gourmet dinner club. She will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and unshakable belief in the importance of family, language, and culture.

For Nelly, family was of the upmost importance. Over the years she hosted her brother and nieces for extended periods of time. She also always helped her family in Mexico in various ways. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she adored every opportunity to spend time with them. Known as "Aba," a nickname lovingly given to her by her first grandchild Alicia, she embraced this role wholeheartedly. She is survived by her daughters Vivian (Gil), Elena "Dina" (Ed), and Lillian (Fernando); grandchildren Alicia (Francisco), Nathaniel, Robert, and David as well as her great granddaughter Emilia; siblings Rodolfo, Jaime, and Marta; her loyal dog Abby; many nieces, nephews, and extended family in the U.S. and Mexico; and her best friend of 60 years, Elizabeth. She was predeceased by her husband Glen and sister Berta.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Alfredo "El Centauro" and his mariachi band for bringing her joy every Monday night and for serenading her at home in her final days. They also wish to thank the compassionate nurses in the ER and on the second and third floors of Cooley Dickinson Hospital, the CNAs who gave her such attentive care, and Doctor Barbosa for her support of the family in the last days of our mom's life.

Nelly's legacy of teaching, strength, and joy lives on in all who knew her. She leaves behind a life rich with love, memories, and inspiration. There will be a celebration of life for both Nelly and Glen on Saturday, November 22 from 3-6 pm at the top of the Campus Center at UMASS.

The family will inter their ashes at Wildwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to LUCE: Immigrant Justice Network of MA.