Irene Nelson

Irene Nelson passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025. Irene was born at home on the farm and grew up well-loved. The final years of her life were flooded with memories of the farm and her family, especially her siblings. It was a privilege to time travel with her to those happy times.

Irene graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Occupational Therapy. OT was more than a career for Irene, it was a calling. It was an outlet for her creative skills and allowed her to improve the lives of people living with physical and mental challenges. She taught her children at a young age that all people had dignity and to treat all with kind regard. Her innate kindness was the hallmark of her personality, commented upon throughout her life.

For a time Irene worked as a realtor and office manager for her husband's business. She volunteered teaching English as a second language, and GED. When a situation called for it, she became a community advocate, astounding her family with what she could accomplish.

She married Jess Nelson and raised a family in Fort Collins, Colorado until death separated them. They had two children, Susan (Nelson) Rutherford and John Nelson. She was a mom who threw exceptional birthday parties, handmade Valentine's Day Cards, baked and sewed, supported the Broncos, and kept them company.

Irene was the proud grandmother Tait and Baylen Rutherford, and Andrea Nelson. Her grandchildren keep their grandmother close in their hearts and have shared many of the memories that made their childhoods rich. They miss her greatly but cherish the time they had with her.

Irene is survived by one brother Perry and his wife Marquita, many nieces and nephews, her children and grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Plymouth Congregational Church in Fort Collins. In lieu of flowers gifts in Irene's name may be made to Elderhaus Adult Day Program (ederhaus.org) 6813 S. College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80525