Obituary of Mary Louise Nelson
Mary Louise Nelson
(December 18, 1944 - July 3, 2023)
Mary Louise Nelson (nee Selte) was a caring mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many. She passed away peacefully on Monday, July 3rd, 2023 surrounded by her family.
Mary was born on December 18th, 1944 to Martin and Amy Selte (nee Ganton) in Islay, Alberta. Mary was born into a farming family from Paradise Valley, Alberta and was the fifth child in a family of eight. Mary spent her youth helping on the farm, spending time with her siblings, playing ball, and riding horses. This time together was well enjoyed and created many fond memories with her siblings and friends.
Mary went to E.H Walter High School in Paradise Valley and later trained as a telephone operator. In 1964, Mary married Fred Nelson of Vermilion. Together they began their own family farm south of Vermilion. Mary loved the farming life and always could be found working in her large garden, planting trees, mowing grass, cooking delicious meals, canning preserves, or baking pies and cinnamon buns for her family and friends to enjoy. In 1965, Mary welcomed her first son, Arvin. She loved being a mom and welcomed three more children to their family, Karoleigh, Kris, and Marit.
Mary was very proud of her Norwegian roots. In the early 1970’s, she took a trip to Norway. She loved visiting Norway. Mary learned about family history, enjoyed meeting her dad’s side of the family, and touring his old homestead in Hønefoss, Norway. It was a trip she would cherish for a long time.
In 1986, Mary and Fred were divorced. Mary relocated to Camrose where she raised Kris and Marit. Mary’s life changed a lot in Camrose. She was not on the farm anymore and needed to support her family. Mary took the opportunity to upgrade her skills and education. She focused on early childhood and worked in various roles in this field. Mary had a passion for working with young children and worked as an educational assistant. No stranger to work, Mary was employed well into her 70’s working at various retail locations around Camrose.
Mary enjoyed staying busy and meeting new people. She made friends easily and enjoyed spending time visiting with them. Mary enjoyed attending barbecues, dancing, and taking time to quietly build a puzzle with friends. She continued travelling in her later years. Mary enjoyed bus trips to Victoria. She loved walking around the beautiful landscape of Victoria and admiring the gardens planted throughout. Mary was very active all of her life and enjoyed taking walks around Mirror Lake every day. Mary kept herself busy until the end and planted her final bountiful garden this spring.
Mary is survived by her daughter Karoleigh; son Kris; daughter Marit; seven grandchildren; brother Don; and sisters Sonia, Jean, and Janet.
Mary was predeceased by her son Arvin Nelson; granddaughter Natahne Nelson; brothers Arnold, Carl, and Charlie Selte.
Life wasn’t easy for our Mom but she made the best life she could and was happy. If you knew our mom, please take a moment to think of her, we think she would really like that.
We love you and will miss you, Mom.
Kris and Marit
A funeral service was held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 7, 2023, at the CityLights Church, 4920 48 Street Camrose, officiated by Rev. MaryAnn Pastuck.
If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Mary's memory may be made to Little Warriors.
