Patricia H. Nelson died peacefully at her home on March 21, 2012. She was 83 years old. Patricia was born March 14, 1929 in Butte, Montana to Irish immigrants, John and Mary McNulty. Patricia had three siblings; John, Leonard, and Marie. Patricia was proud of her Butte Irish heritage, and after graduating from Girls’ Central High School in 1946, she made her way to Helena to attend Carroll College to study nursing. She graduated from Carroll in 1949, and worked as a registered nurse in both Helena and Butte hospitals.
While at Carroll she met the love of her life, James M. Nelson Jr., a Navy veteran and native Montanan. She and James knew they wanted a large family from the beginning. The couple had eight children together and nursing was replaced with fulltime motherhood. The Nelson home was filled with love, great food, and plenty of laughter. Patricia was an outstanding cook and baker, and she used her dining table to gather her family together and create special memories. Patricia and James celebrated 54 loving years of marriage.
Faith and family were the center of Patricia’s life. She and James were members of the St. Helena Cathedral Parish family, where she loved going to mass and receiving communion. Her faith in God and His Son Jesus was strong and unwavering. She was a prayer warrior and her prayer list was a constant companion. She loved saying the rosary and was devoted to the Blessed Mother.
Patricia valued education and loved to research and write. She was a lifelong learner and decided to return to Carroll College where she earned a Theology degree in 1986. Her next educational endeavor was to attend the College of Great Falls where she received a Master’s Degree in Human Services. In 2005 she earned her Doctorate Degree in Adult and Community Education from Montana State University. She exemplified hard work and perseverance.
Patricia is survived by her eight children; James M. Nelson III, John Nelson, Mike (Stephanie) Nelson, Mari (Val) Holms, Julie (Brett) Albertson, Kate (Jack) Dartman, Stephen (Lynn) Nelson, and Johanna (Andrew) Steele. Pat’s joy of family included her sixteen grandchildren, and her great grandchildren. Patricia is also survived by her sister Marie Hubley and nephews and nieces , Bernie (Kathy) Hubley, John (Becky) Hubley, Mary (Mark) Berg, Ralph Eisenbise, and Melody Eisenbise.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James M. Nelson, Jr. and her grandson, Scott Holms.
The family will receive friends from 4-6pm Monday, March 26th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A Rosary will be prayed 11:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at noon Tuesday, March 27th at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Interment will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison. Memorials in Pat’s name are suggested to Carroll College Impact, 1601 N. Benton Ave. Helena, MT 59601. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com
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Amy Jensen says
My deepest sympathy goes to the family of Patricia. I hope you find peace and comfort in the memories of her.
betsy coffey says
i found much love & peace with this family and would like to extend this back to you.
carol dagenais says
So sorry for the lost of your Mom. She was a wonderful person and raised beautiful and loving children.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and family.
Love..Carol J Dagenais
Hanna says
I wrote a poem for my grandma that I thought was very true and what I think she would want. Here it is! 😀 Tears A tear can always happen, When someone you love gets lost. You try to hold them back, Until you’ve lost the cause. When that tear rolls down your face, It’s like they’re slipping away. So you try to hold them in, And let the memories stay. You know you’ll always love her, You’ll never be apart. Cause deep insied you know it’s true, She’s always in you heart. Love you grandma!!! Hope you liked it! 😀
Hanna says
I wrote a poem for my grandma that I thought was very true and what I think she would want. Here it is! 😀 Tears A tear can always happen, When someone you love gets lost. You try to hold them back, Until you’ve lost the cause. When that tear rolls down your face, It’s like they’re slipping away. So you try to hold them in, And let the memories stay. You know you’ll always love her, You’ll never be apart. Cause deep insied you know it’s true, She’s always in you heart. Love you grandma!!! Hope you liked it! 😀
Joan Heberly says
Pat was always so interested in everyone—I loved getting visits with her no matter where we met—-I am sorry for your loss.
Keeping all your family in my heart.
Kathy Fehlig says
I feel honored to have worked with Pat on her advanced degrees and to know her and Jim through the relationship of our families. She was an inspiration for me in being intellectually active right to the end and always involved with life and people. I will miss her.
KD Jones says
May you find comfort in fond memories. Thinking of and praying for you all.
Kelley Richardson says
Dear Steve and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness in you lives. God bless you all.
Sincerely,
Kelley Richardson
Marcy Elliott says
Steve and Family,
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. From her bio, it sounds as if she was a remarkable woman. My thoughts and prayers are with you…
Maria & Gary Goebel says
May the Good Lord Bless all of you ~ as you hold fast to your memories of your wonderful ‘Faith Filled’ Pat. Family was so important to her and her smiles and hugs warmed all of our lives.
Paul Weber says
The Nelson Family has always been a wonderful and loving family to the Webers. Many fond memories of the neighbors across the street will be remembered, as well as lovingness both the Nelsons and Holms gave in making me feel like I am a part of their family. God Bless all of you and thank Mrs. Nelson for so many years of friendship and lovingness.
Shawna Pratt says
To Kate & family,
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathies on the passing of your mother. God Bless.