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BEVERLY NELSON Obituary

Sister Beverly Ann Nelson, CSC, past away suddenly in her Fresno home on May 5, 2010. A member of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Notre Dame, Ind., Sister Bev dedicated herself to a life of service, witnessing God's love through her various leadership roles within the healthcare ministry - especially at Saint Agnes Medical Center where she most recently served as Director of Mission Services and Community Benefits Ministry Officer. Sister was born in Los Angeles, Calif., on May 10, 1939, to the late Anona and Thomas J. Nelson II. She is survived by her brother, Thomas J. Nelson III, and her beloved nephews and niece, Thomas J. Nelson IV, Julie McDonald, and Mark Nelson, as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews. While serving at Saint Agnes Hospital in the 1960s Sister Beverly Ann earned her BS in Accounting at Fresno State University and was later awarded an MBA from Boise State, Idaho. Sister Bev enjoyed a long and successful career in the healthcare ministry, first as an accountant and controller at Holy Cross hospitals, and subsequently as CEO of Holy Cross Hospital, Mission Hills, Calif., and Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, before returning to Saint Agnes. Sister was dedicated to the mission and ministry of the Sisters of the Holy Cross and participated on numerous boards. Her commitment to the poor was evidenced by her support of the Holy Cross Clinic at Poverello House, Saint Agnes Holy Cross Center for Women and by her membership on the local board of Catholic Charities. She also served on Regional and General Leadership Teams of the Congregation. All will remember Sister Bev's joyous spirit, and her love of life, music and dance, which she so generously shared with her family and many friends. She described Fresno as one of the warmest and most accepting communities in which she ever lived and worked. Sister Bev will be missed deeply but her spirit and legacy of service will be remembered for many years to come. Visitation will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, on Monday, May 10, 2010, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by a Wake Service at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, on Tuesday, May 11, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. followed by interment at Saint Peter's Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Ministry with the Poor, Saint Mary's, Notre Dame, In 46556 or on line at www.cscsisters.org. WHITEHURST SULLIVAN BURNS & BLAIR FUNERAL HOME 1525 E. SAGINAW FRESNO, CA 227-4048 whitehurstsullivan.com

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Published by Fresno Bee on May 9, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for BEVERLY NELSON

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Amy Elder

January 10, 2011

Bev and I were great friends and classmates at Bishop Conaty Memorial High School in Los Angeles and found each other again only in 2007 when we attended our fiftieth graduation reunion. It was like finding a long-lost blood sister, understandable, since our fathers had been close friends too.
Although I was her guest at her time-share in Cancun the following August, I didn't know about her serious health problems and heard about her passing only this evening when I found a Christmas card I sent returned with "Deceased" written across the address.
I am stunned and more saddened than I can say. Our brief reunion was delightful, just as she was. I'm so sorry we were out of touch all those years and just grateful that I was able to reconnect with her and her wonderful spirit, even if only much too briefly.

May 20, 2010

Dear Sisters,

I enjoyed Sister Bev and had some great conversations with her and good laughs during my time at Saint Agnes.

I especially remembered sitting next to Sister Bev at a wedding a couple of years ago. We had so much fun.

She will be missed.

Bless you all,

Bonni Montevecchi

Dr. Kimberly Horton

May 16, 2010

Dear Sisters of Saint Agnes Medical Center. My heart is filled with sorrow at the unexpected loss of Sister Bev. I had many occasions to work with her during my 12 years at Saint Agnes. She was certainly a gem and she will be sorely missed. I pray that God will give you and the Saint Agnes Family peace and comfort during this time of loss.

Ana Quesada-Figueredo

May 16, 2010

My prayers and thoughts are with the family of both Holy Cross Sisters and Sister Beverly's family. Sister was cherished by those of us at Mission Hills,Ca.at Holy Cross Hospital.We were all blessed by the gift of Sr. Beverly Ann and her smile will never be forgotten and her charisma lives on.
May each and everyone of those who were privileged to have known Sister Beverly Ann, have comfort knowing that we have a true friend and sister in heaven!!!
Sincerely,
Ana Maria Quesada-Figueredo
Former nurse and postulant from
the Sisters of Holy Cross.

George and Diana Bleth

May 16, 2010

Dear Sisters, Family and Friends Iam very sadden by the passing of Sister Beverly. We have just heard of her sudden passing this week, as we were out of town at the time. Our last visit was a chance meeting at Starbuck"s south of Bakersfield. She was on her way to visit her beloved brother and family. We enjoyed a chat and a cup of coffee. I first met Sister while I worked on 2-west as an Oncology nurse. She always had a smile for us. I will miss her an God bless. We have an angel waiting for us in haven. Sincerely Diana Martinez-Bleth

May 15, 2010

I was so sorry to see Sister Beverly Ann's obituary in this mornings newspaper. She was a special lady and such a good friend to Jim Echevarria and our family. She will be greatly missed.
With love to her family,
Yvonne Echevarria

Kenneth K. Wachi

May 11, 2010

One memory I have of Beverly was the story she told me of the night she spent at Tejon Pass at about 4500 feet, stranded by a snow storm. All she had to eat was sugarless gum. She did not mention having a blanket. I will miss her. KKWachi

May 11, 2010

Dear Sisters of the Holy Cross & St. Agnes Hospital; My heartfelt thoughts & prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Sr Beverly Ann was such a blessing to all the lives she touched. My prayer for you is for God to lift your spirits & give you the strength to meet the challenging days ahead. He loves you & so do I. Cheerful thoughts, Claire Stablein
Former cook for the Sisters, and an employee of St. Agnes Hospital for 9 yrs. (1992-2001)

Judith A Sullivan

May 10, 2010

Dear Sisters of St. Agnes Hospital and Sister Beverly Ann's family,
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of loss.
I was sad to hear of Sister Beverly's sudden passing. She and I
were close friends since we entered the Congregation together
in 1958. I know she is with God now but will be missed by many.
Judith A. Sullivan, Avon, IN (formerly Sister Judith Anne Schoner)

May 10, 2010

Dear Sisters at St. Agnes and Family and Friends,
News of the death of Sr. Beverly Ann Nelson was shocking and I hasten to offer my prayers for her and for all of you. I had the privilege of working with Bev on the International Holy Cross Heritage Committee from 1989 - 2001 approx. and it was a delightful experience. Needless to say she was a gift to all of us and especially to me.
It is often said that death ends a life but not a relationship. I feel certain that Bev will continue to be with us.
My love and prayers,
Sr. Judith Coreil, MSC
Office of Religious
Lafayette, LA

Sister Patricia Thompson

May 10, 2010

Dear Sisters at St. Agnes and Thomas and Family,
Please accept my prayers and sympathy at this time. Bev enriched our lives in so many ways.May you know God's consoling presence in ever new ways.

Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Chapel Funeral Service

May 9, 2010

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