Evelyn T. Nelson

BARRE - Evelyn Theresa (Flanagan) Nelson, 87 years of age, died on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at Elderwood Residence in Burlington, Vermont. She was born on August 23, 1932 in Boston, Massachusetts to Richard J. and Alice “Lillian” Flanagan. She was the youngest of a loving family of eight children; predeceased by brothers Richard Jr., John, Edward, James, and Francis, as well as her sisters Lillian and Margaret.

Evelyn had a blessed childhood and was known for her love of animals and how she brought home strays. She excelled as a student and athlete at Saint Patrick’s School in Roxbury, Massachusetts and enjoyed telling her children and grandchildren about her time as captain of the basketball team. On August 8th, 1953, she married her husband John B. Nelson, and they were married 63 years. The couple left Boston for Vermont in 1961 and raised 6 children in the city of Barre: John, Tom, Joanne, Kathy, Rick, and Rob. She cherished her two daughters-in-law, Estelle (Perrault) Nelson and Katjana Ballantyne, and adored her four grandchildren, Erin and Greg Nelson, and Iliana and Sophia Nilsson. Evelyn was a loving and caring Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Aunt to many.

Evelyn worked as a professional secretary in several departments, including the VT. Legislative Council, while a dedicated employee for 20 years with the State of Vermont. She partnered with husband John to fulfill his dream of owning and operating a small, restaurant business. Evelyn made wonderful, homemade ice cream at the Nelsons’ Family Restaurant in Marshfield VT for many years. She had many hobbies including knitting, crocheting, reading, and playing board games and cards. She and her family spent many happy summers at Lake Salem in the Northeast Kingdom with many friends and relatives. Evelyn and John enjoyed their retirement winters as snowbirds at a cozy little house in Wildwood Florida. She was a long-time member in good standing, of the Catholic Daughters of America and a person of deep Catholic faith.

In the coming months, a Catholic Mass will be held at St. Monica’s Church to be followed by the Rite of Christian Burial at Hope Cemetery. A joyous celebration of Evelyn’s life with her many beloved family and friends will follow.

“Woman, you are free of your infirmity,” he said…But she stood up straight and let God’s glory touch her face.” (Luke 13:10-17)