Megan Nelson

Megan E. Nelson, of South Hadley, Ma., died at home on August 26 following a long illness. She was born in Liverpool, England in 1932, the daughter of Sidney and Ellen Hughes.  As a child during WWII, she was evacuated along with other young children to a farm in Wales to escape the bombings. From a Welsh hillside, she would see the flashes in the night sky in the direction of home. In her twenties, Megan emigrated to the U.S., first residing in Holyoke, Ma. and eventually in West Hartford, Ct. Megan is survived by her husband Geoffrey W. Nelson, a retired senior partner of Murtha, Cullina, LLP. of Hartford, Ct.  Megan and Geoffrey were residents of the Greater Hartford area from 1974 to 2006; then moved to Tucson, Arizona and eventually to South Hadley, Ma.  Megan leaves her daughter Wendy I. Ehrlich and her husband Michael McCourtney of Tucson, Az.; her daughter Susannah E. Gregory and her husband Drew Shields of South Hadley, Ma., along with their children Jake, Tyler, and Jack, the eldest, with whom she had a loving bond; also, she leaves her husband’s daughter Elizabeth Pratt and her husband James Pratt, and their children Audrey and Ian; her husband’s son Geoffrey W. Nelson Jr. and his wife Lisa and their children Alexandra and Lily;  her brother William Hughes of Liverpool, England, his wife Shirley ; her brother Glynn Hughes of Liverpool England, his wife Alma; Harold Murphy of N.Y.State, husband of her deceased sister Doris and many nieces and nephews. From early adversity, Megan found a rewarding and fulfilling life in America. She was a loving mother and spouse and a devoted grandmother. Megan’s family and friends experienced her warmth and generosity.  And many more were touched by her singular charm and indomitable spirit. Calling hours will be Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Curran-O’Brien Funeral Home, 33 Lamb St., South Hadley. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. For more information please go to curranobrien.com.