Elizabeth Louise Nelson

Elizabeth Louise Nelson, fondly known as Betty to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2024, in Renton, WA, due to complications from an infection. She was born on July 9, 1929, in Jersey City, NJ.

Betty's early years were spent on the East Coast. Most of her childhood was spent in the family home in West Englewood, NJ. After graduating from Teaneck High School in Teaneck, NJ, she began working in New York City, navigating a commute that included a train, ferry and walking many blocks. She eventually relocated along with her parents to Ithaca, NY, where she worked at the Cornell College Bookstore.

In 1957, along with her sister, Betty moved west and settled in Seattle, WA. There she worked in an assortment of office jobs and eventually met her husband, Carroll Nelson. They were wed in June of 1960 and promptly moved to Lewiston, ID due to Carroll’s work. Their first child Lisa was born in Lewiston. Their second child, Mark, was born in Spokane, WA after another work move. Eventually their family settled in Tacoma, WA where Betty lived for the next 40 years of her life.

Betty began working at American Building Maintenance in Tacoma in September of 1968 and worked there for 26 years, retiring in 1994 as the office manager. She made many life-long friends through her work and maintained those relationships the rest of her life.

Betty and Carroll were long time members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA and Zion Lutheran Church in Kent, WA. Betty was active in the life of the church, serving as a lay reader, singing in the choir, serving on various committees, and volunteering in the church office. Betty’s faith was always central to her life.

After retirement, Betty and Carroll moved to Kent, WA to be closer to family. Betty was an enthusiastic supporter of all her grandchildren’s activities, rarely missing a concert, athletic event, or school ceremony. Betty's sharp mind loved the challenge of Scrabble, trivia and crossword puzzles, activities that she not only enjoyed but also excelled at. Maintaining friendships was not just an interest but a priority for her, and she spent much of her time connecting with family and friends, old and new.

Anyone who knew Betty would describe her as funny, loving, and kind. Betty's loving nature extended to her family, whom she cherished. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Carroll Nelson, and her sister (and best friend) Emmy Jones. She is survived by her children, Lisa Nelson of Kent, WA, Mark Nelson (wife, Julie Nelson), her brother Henry Holmgren (wife, Debbi Holmgren) of Worcester, MA, and her grandchildren, Katie Nelson (Fiancé, Edgar Garcia) of Anaheim, CA, Aimee Lee (husband Kris Lee) of Orange, CA, and Lindsey Nelson (partner, Nolan Johnson) of Auburn, WA. Betty had one great grandson, Jensen Lee of Orange, CA, and numerous nephews and nieces.

A service to remember Betty’s life will be held on April 20th at 1:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 25125 132nd Ave SE, Kent, WA. Betty will be interred alongside her husband at Tahoma National Cemetery in a private ceremony.

Memorials may be made to the Union Gospel Mission’s KentHope Women & Childrens Center in Betty’s honor. The web-site is:

https://www.myugm.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=donate_kenthope