Shirley Patricia Nelson

Shirley Nelson passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Tracys Landing, Maryland on July 3, 2025. She was 84 years old. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, to Gordon and Mildred Kivlin (Fuller), Shirley lived a life of purpose, rooted in her steadfast Catholic faith. Her family soon moved to Tucson, Arizona, where she met the love of her life, Peter Gregory “Greg” Nelson. High school sweethearts, they spent 63 devoted years together before Greg’s passing in August of 2024. After military moves around the country, Shirley and Greg settled in Clinton, Maryland where they raised a loving family: son Chad Nelson, married to Dawn Nelson, and two daughters, Tracy Thorne and Keri Gregoire, married to Chris Gregoire. Shirley later became a proud and adoring Nana to Alexandra Gregoire, Connor Nelson, Kasey Gregoire, Ryan Gregoire, Drew Thorne, Luke Thorne, and Ray Thorne. She is also survived by her nephew, Michael Mahoney. Shirley’s family was the heartbeat of her life, and she poured herself into every role—wife, mother, and grandmother.

Once her children were in school, Shirley began working at the U.S. Census Bureau, taking care to match her schedule with school hours so she could remain a constant presence in their lives. After leaving government service, Shirley followed her true calling and became the Youth Minister at St. John the Evangelist Church in Clinton, Maryland. Shirley’s ministry was more than a job—it was a vocation. Through her leadership in youth groups, marriage retreats, and church initiations, she became a beacon of hope and compassion to countless individuals. She was a fierce protector of the young, especially teenagers, and a steady source of comfort to those in turmoil. Her legacy at St. John’s lives on in the hearts of those she guided, comforted, and loved. In retirement, Shirley and Greg split their time between Maryland and Arizona, continuing to nurture their communities through volunteer work. For over 20 years, Shirley served as a hospice volunteer, offering peace and dignity to those in their final moments. She met life’s challenges—including Alzheimer’s Disease—with quiet courage, dignity, and an enduring spirit that never wavered. Shirley’s interests were simple but profound: sewing, making her famous peanut brittle, spending time with family and friends, and finding joy in the everyday. All were welcomed into her home with open arms.

The wake and funeral services will be held on July 22, 2025 at Jesus the Divine Word Church in Huntingtown, Maryland, at 4 and 5 PM, respectively. There will be a short reception afterward in the church hall. Shirley’s ashes will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved Greg. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, in honor of Shirley’s courageous battle and in the hope of a cure for this devastating disease.