This world lost the strongest, kindest and most selfless woman on Sunday, April 7, 2024, when Patricia Ann Nelson passed away peacefully at home. She was surrounded by her loving family and beloved yellow lab, Jaeger, during the days leading up to her passing. While we know she is with her Lord and Savior, we are heartbroken at our loss. Fortunately for all of us, over time, the memories of her and how amazing she was will give us comfort and guidance. She most certainly will never be forgotten.
The saying goes, “she fought the good fight” and did she ever. We were all blessed to have 40 years more with her than some of her doctors thought we would. Her battles with cancer over those 40 years were inexplicably difficult, but she persevered with the love and unending physical and mental support of her Husband, Bob, who gave so much of himself to keep her here with us, a sacrifice for which the rest of us will be forever grateful. Whenever she received a grim diagnosis, she refused to accept the possibility of leaving her family behind, vowing to be there for her kids’ life events to come, and later those of her Granddaughters. She took each diagnosis as a challenge and used her undying love for her Husband, Children, and her Grandchildren to push through the difficult times. Unfortunately, she won’t be there in person for any more milestones, but we are certain she will be with us in spirit not only on those special days, but every day for the rest of our lives, until we see her again in the glory of Heaven.
For anyone that knew her, it is easy to see why we were so lucky to have her as a Wife, Mom, Grandma, Mother-in-Law and friend. With the exception of her stunning flower gardens, which she lovingly and tirelessly worked on day and night all spring, summer and fall long, everything she did was for those she loved and cared for. Nothing relayed the care she had for everyone more than her hugs. As one of her recently passed friend’s husbands told us – “she gave the best hugs. The best.”
Her daughter, Heather, was her best friend with a bond that is beyond compare. Countless Disney movies, phone calls, car rides, concerts, plays, garden shows and trips were just the tip of the iceberg. Pat was Heather’s rock, and Heather was Pat’s, something that will continue even though she left this earthly world.
Emilia and Ayla were her world and she took every opportunity to spend time with them – picking and planting wildflowers, catching frogs, riding golf carts, doing puzzles, making forts, and anything else those little imaginations could come up with. There wasn’t a game, play, concert, dance recital or anything else where audiences were welcome that she missed if she was physically able to make it. Her love for them made her glow. Having those girls so close to her for the last 7 years was one of Pat’s greatest joys, and we thank God every day He was able to make that possible – for all of us.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Eleanore and Victor (Vic) Tadych; her Father-in-Law, Emil Nelson; her Sisters-in-Law, Sharon Nelson, Jean Nelson and Nancy Tadych; and her Brother-in-Law, Mike Sundust. Survivors are her loving, faithful and dedicated Husband, Bob Nelson; Daughter, Heather Nelson (Manitowoc); Son and Daughter-in-Law and her special Granddaughters – Trent, Amy, Emilia and Ayla Nelson (Manitowoc); beloved yellow lab, Jager; Mother-in-Law, Eleanor Nelson; brothers Jim (Pat) Tadych, Jerry Tadych, Robert Tadych, and David (Diana) Tadych; Brother-In-Law, Ken Nelson; Sister-in-Law, Barbara Sundust; dear friends (including the “Hornets”); and so many more.
Memorial services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Noon on Monday, April 15, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo, 1121 North 14th Street, Manitowoc. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Matt Colle. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass at 12:00 p.m. Noon on Monday, April 15, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo.
If sending flowers, please consider sending living plants so that Pat’s memory may live on in the homes of her loved ones. Any memorial funds received will be donated by the family to organizations that were important to Pat.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc, is assisting the Nelson family with funeral arrangements.
The family is forever grateful for Dr. Marshall Matthews and his staff for the care, compassion and love they gave her through all the years of treatments – Pat truly loved them all; the staff at Susan S. Richardson Community Hospice for their compassion and care in her final days, special friend Mary Rose Henner, who was her confidant and was with her every step of her journey, including these difficult last few months, Karen Kehl, who was by her side through all of her battles, and so many others who gave her friendship, love, compassionate care, and support during it all – good times and bad – throughout the years. Nothing we can do could ever repay you for what you all have done for our Wife/Mom to make her feel cared for, loved and respected.
We love you to the moon and stars, Mom.
