Marie Beverly Nelson-Wilson

Marie Beverly Nelson-Wilson, 82, passed peacefully, July 9 in New London, with family by her side. Marie was born November 18, 1942, in Antigo, to Joseph and Florena (Parsons) Ruffie. Bev, as she preferred her middle name, graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1961. She married Martin Nelson, February 1, 1964, and they enjoyed more than 46 years together, before he passed away in October 2010.

Bev found love a second time, marrying Richard Wilson on her birthday in 2013. They enjoyed more than seven years together before he passed away in April 2021.

Mom made many friends over the years, at work, while camping, bowling, volunteering or taking in the sights and sounds of “Hodag.” She loved to entertain and welcomed everyone. Mom’s passion for cooking and baking were on full display, as our house was the family and holiday gathering place. She was proud of having prepared wholesome meals for the residents of Country Farm, Friendly Village, Taylor Park, and Grace Lodge for more than 40 years.

Mom is survived by her sister Sharon Luse, brother David (Twyla) Ruffie, and sister in-law Joanne Ruffie. She is further survived by her children, Todd (Amy) Nelson, Troy (Bee Sutliff) Nelson, and Debra Bartholomew, 13 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mom was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, brother Joseph Ruffie, brothers’ in-law James Luse and Glenn Nelson, and nephew Brian Luse.

The family would like to thank Mom’s caregivers for the past four years, including Senior Hearts Home Care, ADRC, Marcia Fourt, Sue Johnson, and Bee Sutliff. Together, they helped Mom navigate the complexities brought on by dementia so she could live safely in her apartment. With Mom’s health in decline, she had brief stays at Aspirus Hospital and Friendly Village to regain her strength. She lived her final months in the care of the staff of St Joseph Residence-Monarch Meadows in New London. Mom made many friends and was loved like family by her caretakers. Thank you to Community Care for assisting in Mom’s care and to Compassus Hospice for assuring Mom was comfortable in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests tax-deductible donations in Mom’s memory be made to St. Joseph Residence-Monarch Meadows, 107 E Beckert Road, New London, WI 54962.

A graveside service will be held, Saturday, Aug. 30, 10 a.m., at Northland Memorial Park. A celebration of life will follow, noon to 4 p.m., at Sugar Camp Town Hall.