Gay Nelson
April 08, 1940 - February 23, 2021
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Gay Nelson
April 08, 1940 - February 23, 2021
Obituary
Gay Nelson passed away at home surrounded by family on February 23, 2021. She was born on April 8, 1940 to Edward and Gladys Jacobs of Acme, WA.
Gay was a lifelong resident of Whatcom County. She graduated Mt. Baker High School in 1958 and married her high school sweetheart, Riggs Nelson, on August 27, 1961. Together they built a life and raised a family on the shores of Lake Whatcom. Gay had a long and satisfying career as a legal secretary. Soon after retiring, Gay started at Washington State University, completing her bachelor’s degree in Social Science in 2009 at 68 years young. Go Cougs! Gay loved sports and was on the board of the WSU Athletic Foundation. She was quite an athlete herself, and always up for adventure; hiking, walking and boating in just about every corner of Whatcom County. Gay finally hung up her water skis at the age of 78. She also ran quite a few 5Ks and half marathons.
Gay was completely devoted to her family. A loving mother, an exceptional grandmother, and the best wife! She and Riggs were the closest of friends. She was his co-pilot and first mate, both literally and figuratively, and she always made sure he looked his finest.
Gay was a woman of deep faith, selfless in her support of those she loved and anyone in need, practicing the 10 Commandments daily. Gay shared herself and her faith generously in all she did.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Riggs Nelson, daughter Roxi Nelson, son Kent (Monaca) Nelson, grandchildren; Jordyn (Aaron) Allie, Larkyn Nelson, Kanyen Nelson, and Marinn Nelson, brother Robert (Jeanne) Jacobs, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and in-laws.
Memorials may be made to the Cougar Athletic Fund and the Whatcom Human Society.
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Whatcom Humane Society
- Address: 2172 Division St, Bellingham, WA 98226 - (Get Directions)
- Website: https://www.whatcomhumane.org/donate/
- Phone Number: 3607332080
6 responses to Gay Nelson
Jeanette Beck says:
February 27, 2021
So privileged to have had Gay for a friend and classmate! Every time we had a chance to visit was so uplifting and fun! I greatly admire her for all that she accomplished and all that she represented as a mom, wife and friend.
Love you, Gay!
Jeanette (Nesbitt) Beck
TAMARA Townley Boyd says:
February 27, 2021
We were neighbors growing up in Acme swimmimg in the South Fork and hiking around the woods. Roller skating around the Acme School was great fun! There was a group of us that would ride our bikes most every day. We would always wait impatiently for the WC Bookmobile to come so we could exchange our books and start the new ones. That was a wonderful place to grow up!
Kathy Watts says:
March 4, 2021
Gay Nelson was a woman to be greatly admired for a multitude of reasons. I saw her very generous and loving heart as she partnered with me each December in adopting a family from the Salvation Army Adopt-a-Family program. Joyfully shopping, purchasing, and donating “wants and needs” (clothes, toys, books, etc.) to make a joyful Christmas for another family.
She was also the most trusted, truest, supportive, best friend anyone could ever hope to have in their life. Love you Gay; my heart is broken.
Lurline Hammer says:
March 29, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Neighbors from the lake years ago I would see Gay jogging by & we would exchange “hello” & chat. Always a friendly & kind soul & a lady that enjoyed life. The world has lost a “Gem”.
Jan Polinkus says:
April 16, 2021
Very sorry for your loss. Gay was a special lady. I met Gay when we both worked for Roehl & Dalquist, Attorneys. I remember the day a difficult client came into the office and stood at the counter. The nastier he became, the more gracious Gay spoke. I don’t know how she kept her composure. Gay was a sweet lady and a terrific friend. I am sorry we lost touch. Peace.