Esther Nelson

Esther Nelson passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 after a long struggle with illness. She was born to Ray & Sally Bachicha on September 19, 1940. She was the second oldest of eight children.

Esther grew up in Walsenburg, Colorado, and went to Huerfano High School where she was a cheerleader. After high school, she met Merrill Nelson. They were married and had two children, Kathy and Ron. They lived in Castle Rock, Colorado, on five acres. Esther went back to school to further her education. She often mentioned how she would do her homework alongside her kids. Esther went on to work for many different companies, like Body Bazaar and Mencomp. She bought Liz’s Secretarial Service and became active in IPAMS.

Esther and Merrill later divorced, but the family remained close. Kathy periodically would work for Esther, while Ron eventually worked for his dad in construction. Kathy married Bob Joyce and had twins. Dustin and Valerie were such a joy. After the divorce, Esther and Ron lived in the Montmartre Apartments where she met Alice, Ron Holm, John and Neil. They spent a lot of time together and became like family.

In June 1985, Esther took a well-deserved vacation to the Pacific Northwest and Canada by train. On the train, she met the train supervisor, Mike Nelson. There was mutual interest in each other. On arrival in Seattle, Mike asked if he could call on Esther while she was in Seattle. He showed her some of the sights of Seattle, and then, Esther continued on her vacation tour. Mike & Esther continued their romance by phone.

Esther finally moved to Seattle, and after a long courtship, Mike & Esther married on March 8, 1991. Mike has two girls. When they met, Heather was twelve, and Mara was seven. Esther was a wonderful stepmom to the girls who adored her. Mike and Esther were married 32 years.

Esther is survived by her spouse, Michael Nelson; her two children: Kathy Mamuzich (Terry) and Ron Nelson; and two stepchildren: Heather Goude (Michael), and Mara Nelson (Will Riccetti). She is also survived by six grandchildren Dustin Joyce (Holly), Valerie Nupen (Ryan), Kassidy, Milo and Quentin Goude, and Roman Riccetti; and five great grandchildren: Ethan, Carsten and Maren Joyce and Carly and Nolan Nupen.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, July 22nd at 1pm at the Bothell Sons of Norway (23905 Bothell-Everett Hwy, Bothell, WA 98021).