Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Dr. Florence Ely Nelson
Dr. Florence Ely Nelson
Obituary
Guest Book
Florence Nelson Obituary
was born to Mr and Mrs Albert H. Ely, Jr on June 3, 1931 at home in Cold Spring Harbor NY. She died at home in Scottsdale AZ on September 25, 2009 as the sun rose above the McDowell Mountains, in the company of her husband of nearly 45 years, Jerry Nelson, and her three sons Nic, Tom and JP. Her joyful spirit and relentless dedication to "doing what ought to be done" will be sorely missed. Florence's achievements and contributions are legion: they are as diverse as co-founding the Scottsdale Charwomen, co-founding the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations, pioneering The Desert Center to teach desert appreciation to tens of thousands of schoolchildren as "the snake lady", and serving on the board of the Arizona Astronomy Board and the National Space Society. She was a member of the Mayo Clinic Scottsdale Leadership Council, vice-chairman of the ASU Foundation, president of Charter 100, a Trustee of Prescott College, and both President and on the executive board of directors of the Scottsdale Prevention Institute. She devoted a great deal of her time and energy to the Greater Southwest Chapter Arthritis Foundation Board. She holds an honorary doctorate from ASU and was inducted into the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame in 2000. In lieu of flowers, please send donations by check to: The Desert Center at Pinnacle Peak, PMB 291, 8711 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, The Village at Mayo Clinic, 13400 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85259.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Donna Landis Agua
February 7, 2024
My condolences to the Nelson family. My Aunty Sally use to work for the family and we were very fond of Florence and her amazing family, as a young girl she inspired me in so many ways. She was kind, gracious and so incredibly intelligent but most of all she was gracefully elegant, I am so sad to hear of her passing. May her beautiful spirit rest in peace, love and prayers to the family.
Jason Berger
June 13, 2023
My name's Jason berger,Florence taught me so much,and I caught snakes and brought them to her and helped care for them for quite sometime.thank u for all you did for me.and for letting me run around your house,and for the tortoise,you gave me.
Robert Picard
February 2, 2023
It is with sadness that I learned of Florence's passing. I was speaking to my team about generational wealth and shared several anecdotes from a memorable evening with Florence, Jerry and her son Tom. She dazzled us with stories including her involvement with the 'Post WWII Marshall Plan' and her time with Charlie Chaplin in Switzerland. We will never forget Florence but her legacy remains with all of us. Sending love and wishes to the Nelson Family.
Nader Mike Mansourian
August 22, 2021
Today when I woke up just the image of Dr. Florence Nelson came to my mind. I had no idea she passed away. I was her private driver, taking her to the airport and back. I can't believe she is not with us. I still can see her beautiful smile. She was the best person in my life, respectful, honest, and beautiful. whenever she met others and I was there, she introduces me as a friend, not her driver, and that meant a lot to me. I am sure she is in heaven and have that beautiful smile now.
My condolences to Jerry, Tom, Nick, and JP.
I hope to see her again... in heaven..
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Chris Bell
June 2, 2018
I know it's late but Florence was always nice to me and I I hope she knew the Lord she was a good woman jerry nick.tom JP are always in my prayers God bless Chris Bell I know it's been a long time JP nic email me let me know how you're doing.
Paige Livingston
June 14, 2017
Whenever anyone asks me who influenced me the most in my life, I tell them Florence. She was truly a kind and generous woman. She loved deeply, supported generously and educated constantly. Florence had the perfect balance of grace, beauty, intelligence and drive. She chose to see the best in others. Everyone was equal in her eyes. She was humble and found beauty in everything.
There never was and never will be anyone as unique and precious as Florence. I think of her frequently, most often when I'm in the desert. Until her, I saw the desert as nothing more than a harsh landscape, void of life. Because of her passion for the Sonoran Desert, I've found it's beauty, including the Pepsis Wasp, the Sonoran Kingsnake, Harris's Hawks, the Sonoran Desert Tortoise, the sweet smell of the Creosote Bush, and so much more. I will forever hear her voice saying, "Holes are Homes."
Lois Potts
September 1, 2016
Florence was so much fun to be with. She made those she knew better people. She appreciated people and included everyone she met into her life. I taught at Liberty Elementary School and she arranged so many outings around the valley to get our young people involved in caring about the animals and history in our area. She cared about people and personally got involved to be sure their lives were the best they could be. Our six foot two inch daughter wore size 13 shoes and so did Florence. One day Florence came to our home with several pairs of shoes she has ordered but did not need. She gave them to our young gal who was so excited with such a caring gift. I think knowing Florence made us all better people. Lois Potts, Scottsdale, AZ
Donna Landis-Agua
April 6, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the family who she loved so very much, especially her boys. Mrs. Nelson touched my life as a young girl when I would accompany my Aunt Sally who cleaned her home for many years, she always took time to chat with me and inspired me to always do the right thing and never forget to volunteer in the community. She was amazing and I know I personally will miss her spirit.
Lise Kiel
March 29, 2015
You are so often in my mind. I learned more the year with your Family than any other year in my life. I feel so lucky that I got to know you. Rest in Peace, dear Florence.
Jim Ingram Martin
January 28, 2015
I knew Florence as a beautiful, wise, and loving woman when I was finishing my doctorate from the U of A while working in Phoenix on a school project. She was a most gracious lady who generously shared her home and family with me. I remember her stories of times in Nairobi during the Mao Mao rebellion, and of telling me about the religions of India. She was truly a woman of the world who will be missed by many, near and far.
I am sorry to be so late in learning of her passing, but by sharing these thoughts, I hope to contribute a small bit to the enormous legacy she has left here on earth. She is missed by many.
Gary Hatch
December 6, 2012
A wonderful person who thought of others and made a difference in so many ways.
J Puglisi...
December 14, 2010
I had no idea that Florence had passed, and today my heart is filled with grief. I remember with great joy several afternoons playing backgammon with Florence down in Cabo. Although we were not the best of friends, or even "close" as she may have been with others, I cherished the time we spent together. She was truly an inspiration, and we had several conversations that I still remember, and lessons I still cherish.
Although I just learned of her passing today, I will forever be filled with fond memories. She is so loved by Jerry, and always inspired those around her. I can honestly say, i've never known a more accomplished person, or a more beautiful spirit. She is loved by many, and missed by all.
JP Nelson
October 25, 2010
Still remembering mom, please feel free to add any thoughts or notes to the family.
October 6, 2009
I had the honor of meeting Florence several years ago and helping her with her rehabilitation in the water. I would always look forward to our weekly sessions and the wisdom she shared with me through the years. She had the biggest heart and most amazing spirit, she will be dearly missed and always remembered.
Alexis Mendez
October 5, 2009
Florence was a remarkable woman. She used her life to help others and made a habit of compassion and caring. We will miss her -- but she will live on in our memory!
Carolyn Warner
Christine Wilson
October 3, 2009
My condolences on the loss of Florence, she was a wonderful and thoughtful woman, teacher and mother. She has had a big impact on the growth and education of myself and my children through the knowledge she shared about the Desert Life in Arizona. We were also honored to be included in the different activites and Christmas parties we attended, they gave us many happy memories. Thank you for allowing us to be included in the memories of Florence.
May your family be honored with many memories and stories from all the people that Florence and the rest of the family have touched over the years.
God Bless you all.
Michael & Christine (Simonson) Wilson and Family
Craig and Vicki Bell
October 3, 2009
Our visit to Cabo is a beautiful memory because of the generosity of Florence and Jerry Nelson. Thank you again.
Jerry, Nic, Tom and JP -- thank you for sharing your wife and mother with the community. We are all better for it.
Larry Robinson
October 3, 2009
Our Piece of The Puzzle: My wife Angela and I met Jerry and Florence a little less than two years ago, so one might say that we came to know Florence at what could be defined as the Ebb of that amazing Tide of Life that she lived.
Today we heard the stories from so many old friends about Florence's fire, brilliance, amazing teaching ability, business acumen and overall zest for life......all of those "things" that might be categorized as Florence in her earlier years.
Some people might expect Angela and I to feel "cheated" that we didn't get to know Florence in that way. But, honestly, we actually did. Every time that we were with her, that Fire, Brilliance, Zest for Life and Swagger(when she'd beat you at Backgammon), was ALWAYS there. It always shined through, even on days when she didn't feel particularly well.
We truly appreciated every opportunity that we had to spend with her. She was always teaching. She taught us how to live more. She taught us how to laugh more. She taught us how to love more. She made us want to be better people, and for this, we will be forever grateful.
We can all take comfort in the fact that Florence is in a better place, and that place is now better because she is there.
October 3, 2009
Our condolences from members of the Arizona Culturekeepers executive committee at the loss of one of our most dedicated preservationists and teachers to the Valley's young about the desert critters. Florence & Jerry will be among the 100 Arizona treasures honored during the state's Centennial. Our prayers are with you Jerry and your sons at this time.
The committee including Marshall Trimble, the state's historian and Lois McFarland,member.
Lindy Good
October 2, 2009
I had the pleasure of visiting with Florence both in Cabo at their wonderful complex and at this last GAC. Little did I know that I would not have the opportunity to do that again.
Florence and Jerry have been wonderful to the young men of Phi Kappa Psi. The memories they made happen will live on forever. I remember wearing a top with turtles on it and Florence was so pleased since turtles were special to her. I will miss her the next GAC, but will have fond memories of my conversations with her.
Jerry and family-- may your wonderful memories sustain you as you grieve.
Lindy Good
Maureen Saenz
September 30, 2009
I worked at the General Store for ten plus years and my memories of Florence and her family were always good ones. Florence and Jerry were always so good to their employees and made a good job a great one. I always looked forward to going to work .
Florence will be greatly missed, she was a person who blessed us all with her humor and knowledge.
Maureen Saenz, Scottsdale,AZ
Kathy Bemrich Siders
September 30, 2009
Florence had a life that was well lived in every aspect. We spent many hours discussing our boys (hers grown, mine still at home) and their adventures. Her wisdom and humor were gifts. My life was blessed in knowing her and she will be missed by all. I'm sure she heard upon arrival, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done."
God Bless,
Bob Rosenberg
September 30, 2009
Florence, we miss you. You are an inspiration to all of us. Especially to Hal.
Jerry, Nic, Tom and JP, our prayers are with you.
September 30, 2009
The lord broke the mold when he made Florence. She was a wonderful lady and I am grateful for ever having met her.
Dave Ramirez, CA Lambda
Nick Cipiti
September 30, 2009
Best wishes to the family. Many many people are saying wonderful things about her accomplishments and personality. Her legacy is world reknown. A personal thank you for all she contributed...
Nick Cipiti - AZ Beta 445...
September 30, 2009
Florence was a loving and devoted mother...we spent many happy hours discussing our boys at Cate School. My son Adam adored her..Thank you for being part of his life.
Darlene Fleck
Seth Porter
September 30, 2009
Florence will be missed tremendously by the hundreds fo Phi Psi's that have had the opportunity to know her and the thousands to follow that will reap the benefits of her kindness and generosity. Thank you for opening your heart and home to so many of us over the years. Many of my favorite experiences in life were had at the Nelson home with amazing friends.
Tom and Nellie Whyler
September 30, 2009
Our prayers are with the family at this difficult time. Florence was truly an amazing woman, and she will be missed.
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
Make a Donation
in Florence Nelson's name
How to support Florence's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Florence Nelson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
