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Susan Nelson Obituary
Sue was born on June 9, 1942, to Paul Thomas Moore, MD and Mary Frances Cleary. Daughter of a Navy Captain, her childhood was spent traveling between Cuba and other naval bases throughout the United States giving her a love for the ocean, adventure and curiosity about the world. She attended Holy Child High School in Waukegan, IL, and went on to study at Marquette University. After her graduation in1963, BA Degree, Sue began her career with IBM and later worked with Society Bank Huron and Morgan Stanley Jacksonville before finding her true calling at The Book Loft bookstore in Fernandina Beach.
For 20 years, Sue became a cherished fixture of the bookstore, leaving a lasting impression on Amelia Island and all who visited.
Sue's lifelong commitment to community included: first female President Erie County Chamber of Commerce, Board of Trustees Sandusky State Theatre, Committee member Sandusky Bay Festival, Committee member March of Dimes, Board of Directors Communities in Schools Fernandina and St Michael's Prayer Group.
She is survived by her three children: Elizabeth Mary Hickey (Christopher), David William Nelson (Cynthia), Jeffrey Paul Nelson (Heather), eight grandchildren: Lauren, Maire Kate, Clare, Anne, Joseph, Austin (Jacqueline), Andrew, Ruby, four siblings: Joann Cleary Moore, Kevin Michael Moore, PhD, Alane Moore/Pollan, M.A., and her late brother, Brian Paul Moore, MD.
Susan will be remembered for her kindness, intelligence, humor, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Her legacy lives on through all who were fortunate to know her, and she will be deeply missed.
The family will receive friends 5:00 - 7:00 pm on Tuesday, February 3rd at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home, 1305 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Funeral Mass 2:00 pm on Wednesday, February 4th at St Michael Catholic Church, 202 N 4th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
A Celebration of Life to follow the Funeral Mass at Walker's Landing, 11 Beach Lagoon Rd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
The family suggests memorial contributions to Communities In Schools - https://secure.qgiv.com/for/susannelsontribute/
If people would prefer to give by check, the mailing address is:
Communities In Schools of Jacksonville
532 Riverside Avenue, Suite 3-OH
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Nelson
Sponsored by Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors.
5 Entries
Ardy West
February 2, 2026
I was so lucky to have known Sue and Bill. She made the Book Loft a treasure to the city. Sending love to the family for their terrible loss. Ardy West
Patricia Boxler
February 2, 2026
Blessings to the family.
RW Herman
January 31, 2026
Sue gave many new authors a chance to showcase their work by hosting Book Signing events at "The Book Loft." I know this because I was one of the fortunate ones to have been introduced to Sue and in 2021 and she graciously and generously introduced me as a first-time "writer". She then had me return for my second book signing and introduced me as now being an "author". A wonderful lady who will be missed by so many. RW Herman
Marie & Mark Fenn
January 30, 2026
Mark and I were privileged to get to know and come to love Sue through our work with the Amelia Island Book Festival. She was always patient, generous, and gracious, no matter what stressful circumstances arose. We also went to St. Michael Catholic Church together, and we saw this intelligent and remarkable woman live her faith every day through the many people she touched. We especially appreciated her support of the local author community and her generous attention and help to anyone who needed it.
We will miss her gentle smile and demeanor tremendously. Our sincere condolences to Sue's loving family. She was so proud of each of you and often spoke of you all. We know that her passing leaves a hole in your lives. However, one thing we know for sure is that love never dies. She's always with us. God willing, we will all join her in heaven when it's our time, too.
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Erin Stackhouse
January 29, 2026
Sue always had a smile on her face and she treated our family with such love and kindness. We will truly miss her.
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Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors1305 Atlantic Ave P.O. Box 693, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035
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