Jean Ann Nelson

1921 - 2017

Jean Ann (Young) Nelson, 96, formerly of 61 Sycamore St., Macungie, PA where she resided for 45 years, died August 10, 2017 at Luther Crest Senior Living Center in Allentown, PA where she lived for the past 13 years. She was the wife of the late Milton F. Nelson, who died January 26, 1997. She was born in Rochester, NY on July 15, 1921 to the late George Jacob Young and late Edna May (Kislingbury) Streeter. Jean graduated from Madison High School in 1939, Rochester General Hospital, University of Rochester School of Nursing, and Allentown Hospital School of Anesthesia. She became instructor and then Director of the School of Anesthesia until 1970, was head of the Anesthesia Department at Allen Oral Surgery Association 1970-1980 and a member of Anesthesia Associates of Allentown until her retirement in 1988. While a council-woman for Macungie Borough, she served 3 terms on the Joint Planning Commission of Lehigh and Northampton Counties. She was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Macungie where she served for 12 years as President of the church council, was Superintendent of Sunday School, and enjoyed singing on the choir. She was active in Lutheran Church Women, Eastern Star, Altrusa International, Girl Scouts of Macungie, and was a past President of the Women's Clubs of Macungie and Emmaus and the County Federation of Women's Club. During her years at Luther Crest she continued her inexhaustible spirit of volunteerism. She is listed in Women in Politics, Who's Who in International Biography of Women, and Who's Who in American Women, 1980 ed. Jean was a dynamic woman, a driven leader, a loving mother, and a generous and faithful friend. Despite her busy schedule she always found time to take homemade soup to a sick neighbor. Jean lived a long and full life and will be missed by all. Survivors: Daughters: Pamela (wife of Harout Basmadjian) of Aiken, SC and Wendy (wife of Rifat Akarsoy) of Allentown, PA. Son: James Nelson (husband of Kathleen Crumbley) of Morehead City, NC. Grandsons: Aram Basmadjian (husband of Carrie Tchir), Milton Nelson II (husband of Jennifer Gutierrez Hernandez), James Lampe (partner of Ada Welch) and William Nelson II (husband of Arlene Rocabado). Step-grandsons: Sean Akarsoy, Elgin Akarsoy (husband of Jennifer Cook) and Adam Akarsoy. Step-granddaughter: Denise Akarsoy. Great-grandchildren: Emily Basmadjian, Jaeger Nelson, Scarlet Anais Nelson, Danielle Akarsoy, Skylar Akarsoy, Benjamin Akarsoy and Olivia Akarsoy. Services: Memorial Service to be held at Luther Crest on August 15, 2017 at 2:00 PM. Arrangements entrusted to STEPHENS FUNERAL HOME, INC. (www.stephensfuneral.com) Contributions: In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Grace Lutheran Church in Macungie, PA. "And let us always remember the needs of others less fortunate."