Phyllis Schmidt Nelson

1924 - 2017

Phyllis Schmidt Nelson, 92, of Prestwick Chase, passed away at home on Saturday, January 28, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. Phyllis was born in Victoria, Minnesota on August 15, 1924, and grew up in Excelsior, Minnesota. For several years after the death of her husband Warren L. Beson, she served as the Director of Student Activities at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. She moved to the Greater Albany area in 1966 after marrying Alan Nelson, lived in Glenville and Schenectady, and moved to Saratoga Springs in 1999. She worked in real estate in Schenectady for 17 years. Phyllis volunteered with Hospice of Schenectady. In Saratoga, she was a communicant of St. Clement's Church, belonging to both the Clementines and to the Ladies of Charity. She was predeceased by her husband, Alan Nelson (2016) and son, Michael W. Beson (2013). Survivors include her daughters, Peggy B. Seward (John) of Schererville, Indiana, and Mary B. Gibbons (Patrick) of Glenville, New York; her sons, Hugh M. Nelson (Fiorella) of Ashburn, Virginia, and Peter A. Nelson (Melanie) of Exeter, New Hampshire; and daughter-in-law, Eleanor Beson of Ballston Spa, New York. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Phyllis will be lovingly remembered as a gentle, compassionate, and loyal wife, mother, and friend. She found great joy in the lives and talents of her children and grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial and private family service will be held at a later date. The family wishes to thank Community Hospice of Saratoga Springs, the nurses and staff of D-1 at Saratoga Hospital, Home Healthcare Partners, and especially Dr. Desmond DelGiacco. Phyllis requested that donations be made to the St. Peter's ALS Regional Center, 19 Warehouse Road, Albany, New York 12205, in memory of her son Michael W. Beson, or to the Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866, or to the American Heart Association, 4 Atrium Drive, #100, Albany, New York 12205. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.