Nelly Maria (Albrecht) Stayton

Nelly was born in Kharkov, Ukraine, Russia on 8 August 1941 to Nikolaus Albrecht and Valentina Ulenitzkaja. She was born in a hospital bomb shelter just weeks after the Germans declared war on Russia. Her father was a German Mining Engr. her mother was a Medical Doctor. WWII was beginning, life was anything but stable. Her father returned to Germany leaving infant Nelly and older sister Elizabeth with their mother. Valentina and the girls later ventured toward Germany in an effort to reconnect with her husband. They stayed in bombed out bldgs. and travelled mostly at night to avoid snipers. They managed to reconnect amid the chaos of war and spent the remaining war years in Innsbruck Austria where Nelly’s brother Nikolaus was born in 1944. Nelly’s father was connected to the allied counter intelligence network and was involved in covert operations. At the end of the war in Europe, the Albrecht’s relocated to Schwabisch Halle in Germany where her father was employed at a nearby American Base with the US Combat Intelligence Corp. It was reported, by his superior at the time, that he was later targeted by the NKVD. They successfully created an opportunity to get to him. After his passing in 1953, his superiors initiated steps to get the remaining family out of Germany. They were sponsored by a church in Portland.

Nelly, her sister and brother attended school in Schwabisch Halle. Nelly had Pneumonia several times as an infant and was frail as a child. She began school 2 years late due to her illnesses. Valentina, Elizabeth, Nelly and Nikolaus came to America in 1956 on the USS Henry Taylor along with many Hungarian refugees. Nelly was sea sick most of the way. They arrived at Ellis Island in NYC and traveled to Portland by train. Nelly attended Cleveland HS in a program for foreign language students. English was her third language. Later Nell attended and graduated from Lincoln HS in 1961.

Nelly was a popular student at Lincoln and made several close lifelong friends. She was a nanny for a short time then she became a Dental Assistant for Dr S. Wollin and enjoyed working with patients and assisting in the office. Nell met Bob Stayton in 1962, their first date was to be 12 Oct but the Columbus Day storm delayed that for a few weeks. They dated for three years and were married 18 Dec 1965. Bob attended PSU, worked part time, and Nell continued as a DA. Nelly became a naturalized citizen in 1967.

Bob graduated from PSU in June 1967 and was drafted into the Army in Sept 67. Following basic and advanced training Bob was assigned to FT Knox KY. Nelly joined him there in June 1968. Their first son Erick was born in March 1969. Bob’s Army service was over in Sept 1969. Bob, Nell and Erickson returned to PD. Bob was hired at ESCO Corp in Oct 69 and Nell took on the role of managing the apartment complex they lived in with the benefit of reduced rent. Second son Corey was born in March 1972. In 1974 Nell and Bob bought a vintage 1911 home in the Laurelhurst neighborhood on Mirimar Pl. and have enjoyed living there ever since. Third son Kristoffer was born in May 1980. Nell occasionally took on Dental Assist jobs but mostly devoted herself to raising the Kids and gardening. Holidays were special times and Nell made many Halloween costumes for the growing boys. Nelly always had a soft spot for pets. Several cats, birds, rabbits, a salamander and a dog graced the home. Nelly kept a large container of dog treats by the front door – it was a must stop for all of the neighborhood dog walkers. Son Erick’s dogs were honored guests at any time. Nelly had a passion for birds, many bird feeders hang around the yard. A special joy was watching Hummingbirds sip water from the water feature in the yard. Gardening was a great pleasure for Nelly. She delighted in nurturing a variety of colorful plants around the yard. She had many yard art figurines stashed around the yard to add interest and variety. Nelly also loved to beachcomb at the Oregon Coast for glass floats – many were displayed around the yard and in her home. Nelly was a warm and welcoming person and was well known among the neighbors along Mirimar Pl and at our neighborhood gatherings. She will be missed.

Nelly is preceded in death by her father Nikolaus, mother Valentina and her sister Elizabeth

Nelly is survived by her husband of 55 years Bob; sons Erickson (Thea), Corey (Sophie) and Kristoffer: grand children Skyeler Stayton, Seth Wood, Zoie Stayton; Brother Nikolaus Albrecht, nieces Monique and Ingrid; and Cousin Bernie Albrecht. A memorial will be planned when family travel and COVID restrictions allow.