Anne Rita Nelson

On Monday, November 10, 2025, in Orange, CA, Anne Rita Bernadette Kennedy Nelson, 87 years of age, of Huntington Beach, CA, passed away.

Anne Rita Nelson was born Anne Rita Kennedy to John and Julia Kennedy on March 13, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York. After her family moved to California, she attended El Monte High School and matriculated to University of California Berkeley, graduating in 1959. She continued her formal education after the birth of her last child with graduate-level work at California State University Long Beach, always a lifelong learner, reader, and researcher. She was a proud and incredibly involved mother of nine children, grandmother of 17, and great grandmother of five. Most of her adult life was dedicated to her family and their athletics, academics, and growth. Her curiosity and craving for adventure led her to travel the world with her family. Whether in a community park in Ketchikan, in a market in China, exploring a museum in Rome, or strolling along the beaches of Kauai, Anne's effervescent personality attracted new friends everywhere she went. Without fail, if you crossed her path, you knew her, she knew you, and you would soon be laughing together. Through her outgoing nature, strangers quickly became friends. Anne was a dedicated and loyal mother and grandmother who poured into all, not just her family, but their friends and spouses as well. Much of her later years were also spent on her passion for the arts and painting. She was defined by her sharp wit, vast knowledge of religions, philosophies, and politics, and zest for life. A woman of strong faith and deeply held morals, Anne's light will shine as an inspiration, and her large family is a testament to her strength. Her legacy is her family.

Anne Rita Nelson sadly lost her beloved husband of 65 years, Vern James Nelson, of Huntington Beach, California, in 2021. She is survived by her sisters Kathy Morrin and Judy Krackov. She is also survived by her children Vern Patrick Nelson, Sheila Dodd, Colleen Coffey, John Nelson, Christina Nelson Catalano, Daniel Nelson, Kiera Schlechner, and Terence Nelson, as well as 17 beloved grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her son Michael Nelson.

Please donate in her name to the charity of your choice, or for those so disposed, please send flowers to Heritage-Dilday Funeral Home on behalf of Anne Rita Nelson.

If interested, viewing services will be held at Heritage-Dilday Funeral Home from 5 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday, December 2nd. Her funeral service is scheduled for 12:30 pm on Wednesday, December 3rd, at the funeral home as well. The graveside service will follow at 2 pm, on 3 December, at Good Shepherd Cemetery, in Huntington Beach.