Irene Elizabeth Nelson

Irene Elizabeth Nelson passed away in Fort Collins, Colorado on April 10, 2025 at the age of 105. Irene was born on July 23, 1919 in Salida, Colorado to Catherine (Wolfrom) and Lloyd Watson. She was one of four children with brothers Lloyd, Robert (Bob) and Cecil. Irene married John W. Nelson on November 13, 1937 in Salida, Colorado.

Their son, Larry, was born in Salida on July 5, 1940. After leaving Salida they resided in Trinidad, Pueblo and Denver before settling in Lakewood, Colorado. John, a carpenter, built the house in Lakewood on Holland Street. Upon retirement, they moved to the Conifer area where John built a beautiful home in the mountains. Their favorite activities included camping and fishing and socializing with friends through the Lakewood Elks Lodge #1777. After enjoying life in the mountains, they returned to Lakewood, where John passed away on July 27, 2010. Irene relocated to Fort Collins to be closer to her son Larry and spent 13 years living independently in her own apartment at Rigden Farm Senior Living. During this time she enjoyed working on her many crafts, especially crocheting items ranging from delicate, lacy doilies and baby afghans to “sock monkeys”. She won the Christmas door decoration contest twice! As much as she enjoyed the actual craft work, she particularly delighted in giving the items away to family, friends and anyone who might enjoy or admire them. Once the football season started, her Denver Bronco decorations were awesome! Irene was a life-long Broncos fan and rarely missed watching their games, even when they struggled. She also enjoyed baking and sharing cookies and breads with other residents. Irene was a very generous and thoughtful person and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers, and niece Barbara. She is survived by her son, a grandson (Jon) and a great grandson (Gabriel); nieces Janet, Nancy, Lorraine, Dianne and nephews Robby and Brian; nephews Eric, David and niece Carla; and numerous great nieces and nephews and their families. She is interred at Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, Colorado with her husband John.