Alice Wells Nelson

In her own words, “Helen Alice Wells was born on a cold and wintery night on October 19, 1922, in a farm house about 10 miles out of Hoquiam, Washington.” She was the second of seven children born to Warren H. and Helen Mercer Wells. She passed into the glorious presence of God and her Savior on February 11, 2021, at 98 years old.

Graduating from Hoquiam High School in 1939, she went on to attend Peterson’s Commercial School, earning a diploma in Secretarial Science in 1941. She married Lieutenant Herbert W. Nelson Jr. in July of 1943 and they lived for a time in Germany after WWII. They had two children, Jim and Nancy, and moved into a home in Mt Baker in 1950. This was the Nelson home for the next 53 years. (Alice became a widow in 1994 and moved to Exeter House in 2003, where she enjoyed downtown living.)

In 1953 Alice began working for a Seattle legal firm as well as attending St Clements Episcopal Church with her children. She retired from the legal firm in 1988, but continued very active involvement at St Clements until her declining health prevented it. Alice had genuine relationship with Christ, and served Him tender-heartedly and committedly. She served St Clements in a multitude of capacities: secretary, Sunday school teacher, President of the Church Women, on the Vestry numerous times, Church Periodical Club Director for the Dioceses, and longtime editor of the church newsletter “The Record.” Alice was deeply involved in the Episcopal Church’s Maritime Ministry, and spearheaded a birthday ministry to the children at Union Gospel Mission, which she did monthly for thirteen years.

Beside her church involvement, her activities extended from Cub Scout leader to Wall Street West investor (and occasional president), from stamp collector to Girl Scout leader, to engaging hostess to periodic travelers. Alice was tireless in her efforts to impact and change the world around her through her generosity, personal ministry, her church, her community and politics. She was clearly multidimensional, purposed, scrupulously honest and not afraid to take a risk.

As a girl Alice used to climb a particular tree to read where no one would find her. Her love of books continued throughout her life as a voracious reader, and over an expansive range of topics. That legacy continues, being graciously imparted to her children. Alice delighted reading and writing Haiku, and belonged to a Haiku society of writers. This one of hers seems appropriate, though written about ten years before she passed:

Approaching death

my one regret

so many books unread.

Alice could cook up a delicious storm out of most anything, but also delighted in doing the fancy and formal. Her friends were many, and much loved, and while she could be very strong in her convictions, she was consistently concerned about the needs of others. Alice was devoted to her family, immediate and extended, and her ability to laugh easily, and at herself, was a precious legacy to her children. Enjoying new adventures she loved to travel, adding to various collections (from Indian Baskets to thimbles) as she went. She loved to share her travels with others, sending postcards along the way.

While living at Exeter, she left a note on her door for Nancy saying, “I am singing on the third floor.” We believe she is now truly upstairs singing, and it will be the great song of redemption and the magnificent love of God.

Alice is survived by her daughter Nancy of Seattle and son Jim of Jackson, Kentucky, two sisters; Myrtle Walls of Vashon Island and Joan Kowalsky of Cosmopolis, WA, in-laws Sandra Wells of Hoquiam and Melvin DeVerna of Edmonds, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-Washelli.com for the Nelson family.