Canutita Rita Nelson

Canutita “Rita” Nelson made her transition to the Lord’s embrace peacefully in her sleep on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2023. Rita was born April 7, 1939 in Trinidad, Colorado to Lewis P. Gonzales and Lucy Gomez. She graduated from Centennial High School, and was a dark room technician for St. Mary Corwin. She later worked as a day care provider for many years to provide for her two young boys. She was a member of Parents without Partners (PWP), and served as the organization’s president for a couple terms. Rita was married to Leon W. Nelson for 10 years.

Rita had very limited vision most of her life, and lost her vision completely for the last 20 years of her life. She took this loss like a trooper, and with grace, maintained her optimistic look on life in spite of the loss. She was always a fighter. Her father often said if she was a man, she would be dead by now. She was very aware, present and “strong as a bull”. She never lost her sense of humor we all came to know and loved her for. She loved to read, and used the Library of Congress for the Blind avidly, reading many books and magazines. Rita was cheerful and loved all the children she cared for, and they loved her. Rita had some of these children come and visit her as adults. She was generous with all she had, sharing with whoever was in need, even though she had very little. Rita often fed stray cats and dogs, and some ended up being her beloved pets.

Rita is survived by Howard Allen, her loving partner of 42 years; two sons Joseph K. Nelson and Scott E. Nelson of Pueblo; three grandchildren Amanda Nelson, Michael Nelson, and Gabriela Nelson (USMC); great granddaughter Ayla Denney; beloved nephew Sean K. Weiler; beloved niece Michelle Gillette; Sister Prescilla (Jim) Weiler; brothers Leroy Gonzales and Ralph (Marsha) Gonzales; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lewis and Lucy Gonzales, and great grandson Angelo Carbajal.

We rejoice with her as we picture her happy, joyful, dancing, and healthy. We shall miss her dearly.

A visitation will be held Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 11am, with funeral to follow at 1pm at TG McCarthy Funeral Home, 329 Goodnight Ave, Pueblo, Colorado. Rita will be laid to rest at Roselawn Cemetery.