Diane M. Nelson

1935—2018

Diane Nelson, age 83 of Napa, passed away on September 8, 2018 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. She is at peace now and free of the debilitating confusion she endured.

A budding opera singer in her teens, she chose instead to raise a family. As a devoted, supportive and fun-loving mother, she always gave of her time and heart. She was an inspiration to her children and played an active part in their lives, working as a kindergarten teacher’s aide and a leader in Girl Scouts. Her greatest joys were her time spent with her children and their grandparents during holiday and birthday gatherings and making homemade raviolis at Christmas with Gramma Nelson. After 25 years, she retired from her job at Beaulieu Vineyard and decided to sail around the world on a ship to celebrate. Over many years, as an avid reader with a deep love of music, her libraries grew around her. She especially enjoyed spending time with her friends at TOPS and The Red Hat Society in Napa. Although her life had many tough obstacles, she kept her spirits high and just loved to laugh.

Diane is survived by her three children, Kathy (Steve), Ronna (Richard) and Julie (Rich). We would like to give a special note of thanks to the people that brought her joy in her final years, especially Vaudene Tanaka, Barbara Biederman, Julie Wiley, Dolores Sisler and all of the wonderful staff at Aegis Living in Napa.

A private memorial will be held at St. Helena Cemetery where she will be placed near Laura and George Nelson, her loving and supportive in-laws. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).

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