Watts Maddux Nelson

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University of New Orleans

Watts Nelson Obituary

Watts Maddux Nelson, a math teacher at Ursuline Academy, and formerly at Ridgewood Preparatory School, died Friday at his home. He was 59. Mr. Nelson was born in New Orleans and lived in Metairie for 40 years. He graduated from Alcee Fortier High School and the University of New Orleans. For many years, Mr. Nelson was the organist at St. Edward the Confessor Church in Metairie. Survivors include his wife, Paulette Olivier Nelson; a daughter, Wendy Elizabeth Horne; a son, Watts Michael Nelson; a sister, Gwen Nelson McAllen; and two brothers, A. James Nelson III and Richard M. Nelson. He was preceded in death by a son, Robert Joseph Horne. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME Chapel, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. (in Metairie Cemetery) on Monday, November 10, 2003 at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be on Monday from 12:00 PM until time of Mass. Private interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Please sign and view Family Guestbook at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.

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Published by The Times-Picayune on Nov. 10, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Watts Nelson

8 Entries

Katherine Smith

November 19, 2003

Our daughter, Annemarie Fisher, emailed me today with the news of Watts' death. My husband and I are so sorry to hear it, and we send our sincere and heartfelt sympathies to his family.

Watts was a neighbor and a friend to us when we lived in Metairie. He was Annemarie's first piano teacher, and he had a deep and lasting influence on her love for the piano and for music in general. She played in her first Bach Festivals while studying with Watts.

We remember, too, elegant and lovely dinners at his home, even before his marriage to Paulette. We were so pleased when Paulette came into his life, and we know how much he cherished her and the children.

We regret that we didn't stay in better touch over the years, but Watts was often in our thoughts.

Our hearts and our prayers go out to all of Watts' family. May you find comfort in your memories of good times and in the knowledge that Watts had a positive influence in so many lives. God bless.

Katherine and George Smith

Annemarie Fisher

November 19, 2003

Watts Nelson was my first piano teacher, from 1969-1974. I was 5 1/2 when I started with "Mr. Nelson," and his influence became imbedded so deeply within me that I continued to study piano until I was 19. I have been a church organist since 1989, and before mass this past Sunday, an Ursuline student I know happened to deliver the horrible news of his death to me. Watts was at my wedding; that's how special he was. He was a gifted, clever, funny man and his imprint on my life will be forever. His music lives on through me; I hope to do him proud!

Boyd Fink

November 15, 2003

To the Nelson family:

My deepest condolences go out to the Nelson family. Mr. Nelson was a great man, teacher, and friend. Unfortunately,I didn't realize just how good a person he was until recently, and I am saddened to hear about his death. I just know he'll be shining down on all of us from heaven. May God bless the Nelson family.

My deepest condolences,

Boyd Fink & family (Metairie, LA)

the Allen Family

November 12, 2003

To the Nelson Family,

Our deepest condolences and our prayers are sent to you. Mr. Nelson was a beloved teacher and friend to all of us in the Ursuline family. Altho my girls did not have the opportunity to have him as their teacher, they liked him very much. He always had a smile and words of encouragement for all the girls. He will be sadly missed.

Ed Delery

November 10, 2003

Dear Mrs. Nelson,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We know that Mr. Nelson is in Heaven, smiling down upon us all. He was truly a very special person, teacher and mentor to our daughter. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Sincerely,

The Delery Family

Kim Foote

November 10, 2003

Paulette please accept my sincere condolences Watts was a really sweet man. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. I'm right across the street if you need anything.

Robert Graziano

November 10, 2003

Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with the Nelson family. Mr. Nelson truly cared for all the girls in his classes. Two of our daughters were taught by him. He was proud of his family always telling the students stories of his daughter. I guess his students reminded him of her.

Again our sympathy for the loss of your husband, Father, teacher, and truly a gentle man.

The Graziano family

Victor, Eileen &Caroline Andrews

November 10, 2003

Our deepest sympathy is with you. Mr. Nelson made a great impression on our daughter and will be rememberd as a caring man and teacher.

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