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Barbara Kay NELSON

FUNERAL HOME

Sandberg Funeral & Cremation Services

2593 East 7th Avenue

North Saint Paul, Minnesota

Barbara NELSON Obituary

April 2, 1942 November 21, 2012 She very much wanted to be healthy and active. The new hip joint was supposed to be the answer. We are all grieving our loss of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. In our immediate family she was a rock. It is no exaggeration to say that she saved each one of us when we were in need. How can we ever fill the emptiness that we feel now? Barb was a teacher for more than fifteen years in kindergartens in Saint Paul Public Schools where she found great fulfillment in bringing the wonders of learning to many. Her natural curiosity was infectious. Retirement brought new opportunities to both substitute and volunteer in the classrooms of her teacher friends. She would return home recharged and thinking ahead to the next visit. The students soon came to look forward to the days when Mrs. Nelson would be there. For Barbara cooking was a joy. From comfort foods to a gourmet meal and wonderful treats, she loved the tasks and especially the gatherings. Her concern for others is an example that we will try to live up to. Survived by husband Chuck; children Anne Nelson Fisher (Steve), Jean Urman (Bruce), Sarah Nelson and Tom Nelson; granchildren Sylvia & Thea Fisher and Trevor, Connor & Val Urman; much extended family and many friends. Barb graduated from Fairmont High School in 1960 and Mankato State Univeristy in 1964. A celebration of Barb's life will be Wednesday (11/28) at 6:30 PM at SANDBERG FUNERAL HOME, 2593 E. 7th Avenue, North St. Paul and will include sharing of personal stories. There will be a gathering time from 4:00 until the service at 6:30. In lieu of flowers please bring a story to share, either to read at the service or leave for her family. 651-777-2600 www.sandbergfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pioneer Press on Nov. 25, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara NELSON

15 Entries

November 29, 2012

So sorry to hear of Barb's death. I know the Nelson family from St. Peter's Church and School. As we came to church on Sunday, we saw you for many years walking to church. We will keep you in our prayers.
Maria,Fred,Peter,Lisa Bettenberg-Pohl

November 29, 2012

Anne, Steve, Sylvia and Thea,
We remember meeting Barb when she visited at our church a number of years ago. We are sorry for your loss of your mom and grandma. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Joe & Dawn

Barbara Aydt

November 29, 2012

I was so shocked and sad after receiving the news that Barb had died. I worked with her at North End Elem. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a smile that just brightened everyone's day. I am so sorry for your loss. Barb was a great lady.

Tom & Chris Sonnek

November 27, 2012

Chuck, Anne and family, so sad and sorry to hear this news. We enjoyed working with Barb (and Chuck) on the Social Justice Committee. Both of you seemed to really understand what it was all about. Great admiration for you.

judy johnson

November 27, 2012

I have known Barb for 70 years, from the time our mothers put us in the same crib (while they had coffee) to keep us out of trouble, to our retiree years' shared visits. She understood that it's the ordinary things which make our lives worthwhile, and I will miss her more than words can say. Broken hearted.

Geraldine Rogness

November 26, 2012

I want to express to you my deepest sympathy with the passing of Barb. I worked with Barb at Eastern Heights. She was a model of caring and compassion for all of us. There are countless children who will not know of her passing, but who will always live with the warm memory of the kindergarten teacher who touched their lives.

Joy Persinger Reid

November 26, 2012

Shocked and saddened by the news that Barb is gone. Oh so many memories of growing up in Fairmont all the way through Mankato State. It appears that she has left a wonderful legacy. Be strong.

November 26, 2012

Chuck & family, I didn't know Barb but worked with Chuck at Oak-Land for a number of years. I was very sorry to hear of you loss.

Ann Suckow (swanson)

November 26, 2012

I can't believe it was just a month or so ago when after Mass I was there getting cookies talking with Gail, "Gramdma Judy" and Barb. Those three ladies have always inspiried me when it came to working with the children of our parish. I was shocked when I heard of Barb's passing at Mass on Sunday. She will be missed by so many people whose lives she touched. What a blessing it was to have met her. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Jodi Larson

November 26, 2012

Mrs. Nelson was such a great presence at Eastern Heights the years I knew her... was a loss to those who knew her, but what a legacy she leaves behind!

Mike Nelson

November 26, 2012

Chuck and family -
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. What a horrible shock to hear about Barb. She was a wonderful woman, and I always enjoyed our conversations. What a spark she brought to any gathering - she will be sorely missed. 2012 has been such a year of loss for the larger Nelson family...know that the support and strength you provided us during our time of grieving is there for you now. Please let us know if there is ANYTHING we can do...

Take care,

Mike & Family

Lisa Melby

November 25, 2012

I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Barb. She and my mother-in-law taught together for many years at North End Elementary. She was a wonderful kindergarten teacher. I know that she will be missed by many of us who were her fellow teachers through the years.

Jean Anderson

November 25, 2012

Dearest Nelson Family,

It is with much much sadness that I write this to you all. My sister, Judy Zielinski, informed me of Barb's death. I was so shocked. I had the opportunity and joy to work with both Barb and Chuck for President Obama's re-election campaign. They were both tireless volunteers. I marveled at the energy they both had. I loved Barb's infectious smile, and her optimism. I also worked with Barb at our SD43 DFL Central Committee Meetings - and she was a tireless member of this group. I feel such sadness at this time for all of you also. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

November 25, 2012

Sarah,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother.
As I read the obit, I felt like I knew her. She was a wonderful person and teacher to all those beautiful children. If there's anything I can do
for you, just let me know. Sandi ESL

Donna Yu

November 25, 2012

Oh my goodness...I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. I worked with Barb at Eastern Heights and was always uplifted by her positive outlook and caring ways. She will be truly missed by us all. Love and prayers to all of you.

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