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Pamela Nelson Obituary
Pam was born May 17, 1937 in New Haven, the daughter of the late Kingdon V. Jackson and Ruth P. Jackson. An artist, she maintained her studio and gallery in Gales Ferry. She received her art training at the University of Connecticut as well as multiple classes and workshops. Mrs. Nelson taught watercolor classes at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London for seventeen years, in addition to private classes in her studio in Gales Ferry. She was a juror in regional shows, including the Mystic Outdoor Art Festival and the Niantic Outdoor Art Show.
Pam has been described by her fellow artists as "artistic, always upbeat, enthusiastic, inspirational, supportive and a true friend to all." She was an elected artist member of the Connecticut Watercolor Society, the Connecticut Woman Artist, the New Haven Paint and Clay Club, the Lyme Art Association, the Mystic Arts Center, the Arts and Crafts Association of Meriden and the Monotype Guild of New England. She has exhibited at the University of Connecticut Jorgenson Art Gallery, The Connecticut Artist show at Slater Museum, the Hoxie Gallery in Westerly, the Norwich Arts Council, the Essex Art Association, and the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts and the Connecticut River Museum in Essex. She was also a member of the Ledyard Congregational Church.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Curtis Nelson, whom she married on Aug. 31, 1957, in Mount Carmel; a daughter, Beth Jae (Nelson) Gaucher, and her husband, Michael, of North Stonington; a son, Craig Curtis Nelson and his wife, Michelle (Baudro), of Gales Ferry; a sister, Patricia M. Walton, of Wallingford. Pam was affectionately known as Dammy to her five grandchildren, whom she adored, Nicole C. Gaucher and her partner, Gregory Stevcic, of Lynn, Mass., Shane M. Gaucher and his wife, Jessica (Beckerman), of Boston, Mass., Kyle C. Nelson of Gales Ferry, Corinne B. Gaucher of Charlotte, N.C., Hope M. Nelson of Staten Island, N.Y.; and one great-grandchild, Ava Jae Stevcic-Gaucher of Lynn, Mass.
She was predeceased by a daughter, Paige Nelson.
The family would like to thank Hospice Southeastern Connecticut, New London Cancer Center, Lawrence & Memorial Hospital 4.100 team and the Home Medical Equipment for their kindness and wonderful compassionate care that they offered Pam.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, 2011, at the Mystic Arts Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mystic Arts Center, 9 Water St., Mystic, CT 06355. Please reference the Pam J. Nelson Memorial Fund, which will be used for future artist awards.
Arrangements are being handled by Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.neilanfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Pamela Nelson
donna mansfield
October 30, 2021
Junior Women's Club members together!!! Great times having fun doing good. Her smile encouraged. Namaste, Donna
Grace Zazzaro
November 26, 2011
Dear Nelson Family,
So sorry to hear about Pam's passing. She was a gem. The community has lost a gentle, compassionate, talent. my thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ yours, Grace Zazzaro
Karolyn Busconi
November 25, 2011
Dear Curt and family,
We are sorry for your loss. Pam was such a vibrant, creative person. She always looked at life as the glass half full. She will be sadly missed by all those who knew her. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love The Busconis
Robin & Howard Chapman
November 10, 2011
Dear Curt,Craig and Beth, Words cannot begin to express your loss and the loss of all who knew her. She was one in a million and if you were privileged to be her friend, consider yourself truly blessed. Howard and I are two of those blessed people. I cannot begin to describe the friendship but trust me, if you are among her friends you totally understand what I am talking about. Started in Junior Women's Club, Couples Bridge, Women's Bridge, wonderful times at Hopeville Pond and our many lunches and Dinner Parties we shared. Pam got sick after we retired to the South and I was so unhappy I was not there for her when she needed it most. I think I got to convey how much we loved her before we left last summer. We too, have two of her lovely paintings which I look at daily and they bring warm thoughts of our dear Pam. Rest in Peace dear friend.
Eileen Kenny
November 8, 2011
You know, I thought that in the past, when I had gone through a loved one's home, preparing to have someone else live in it, and looked at someone's life, deciding what to keep of it - was hard enough. I found out yesterday that looking for celebratory memories in the studio of a beloved artist friend can be harder. Finished and framed and lovely, or lovely beginnings; drawings, feelings, passion, fun. The world according to Pam is interesting and familiar. It helped to share it with each other. Everything you touched or held or looked at held a story, that, if you didn't already know it, a daughter or a friend would tell. It helped to share our common sorrow, even as each of us was alone in our own memories of this friend or Mother, so deep are female bonds. Bittersweet now because you cannot talk to her, about what you are holding or seeing, how you are feeling, see her smile, watch her paint, hear her wisdom and watch her delight in everything. What we hold in our hearts we will never loose. She made me feel that I could do anything and have fun with it. Til we meet again my friend.
To Kurt, to your wonderful lovely and warm family, my condolences for your loss, my happiness for the many wonderful years and memories you share.
November 8, 2011
We are sorry to hear of Pam's passing.
From the Turner family
edward lange
November 7, 2011
Dear Curt & Family, Rose & I were greatly saddened by the news of Pams' passing. Sorry, we didn't get a chance to make the clam fritters she requested. Love you all. Rose & Ed Lange
Amanda Oakes
November 6, 2011
What a wonderful person Pam was. I will miss her happiness and light.
Jim and Caroline Gosse
November 6, 2011
Dear Curt, Beth and Craig,
How sad for you to have lost such a special wife and mother. Please know that Jim and I are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. We remember well our Girl Scout years, Jr. Womens Club (oh those progressive dinners)and couples bridge. Pam was such a special person. Our deepest sympathy, Caroline and Jim Gosse
November 6, 2011
We shared Jr. Women's Club and cards years ago and jokes about husbands who fished.
Most of all, I am honored to own one of her watercolors, a perfect depiction of a scene from my childhood. We marveled at how she could replicate that without ever seeing it.
Her smile and talent made the world she lived in a better place. Donna J. Mansfield & Chuck Giles, Chapala, Mexico
Bev and Vic Baczewski
November 6, 2011
To her family,
Always enjoyed seeing and talking with Pam. She was always such a delight and so upbeat. We have been away for a long time but speak of her often as we have one of her beautiful works of art in our house. Our prayers are with all of you.
Mike Smith
November 6, 2011
Dad, Beth, Craig: I just heard of your lost. I'll never forget all the GREAT times we had. "MOM" was one of a kind and will be missed. Our prays are with you. Sincerely Mike (Smitty) Smith & Family. LHS '73
Pamela Dugas-Vars
November 6, 2011
To her entire family,
I am deeply sorry on your loss, but as you know it will be a great loss for us all. I am honored to be named after her and so very grateful that she was able to make it to my wedding this past June.
Much Love,
Pamela Dugas-Vars
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