Vivian Lee Nelson

Vivian’s life journey began on July 27, 1954, in Omaha Nebraska to Gloria Lee and Edgar Edward Nelson, Vivian was baptized in 1954 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Omaha.

Unfortunately, Vivian’s father passed away prior to Vivian’s first birthday. Vivian, her mom and little sister Edith moved to Denver, Colorado in 1958 to begin a new life.

Early on Vivian was diagnosed as having severe intellectual disability. Eventually, her mother realized she was not able to give her the care she required. Vivian went on to live many years at the Ridge Home & Hospital. There she was able to learn basic skills, such as basic signing as a way to communicate, but would never develop a mind skill of no more than a 2nd or 3rd grade level.

Once she became a young adult, she was moved to live in a Respa home, with other young adults with disabilities. Vivian’s mother made sure Vivian would not forget her family or felt like she was forgotten, by bringing her home often and many holidays.

Despite her disability, Vivian held a job with Goodwill in Denver for several years which she seemed to enjoy. Even with all of her challenges, Vivian had a beautiful soul. She was caring, loving and would never hurt or harm anyone or anything. She had compassion and when someone was hurting, she would hurt, by shedding a tear, wiping your tears gently with her fingers, touching your hand or giving you a big hug. Vivian would sometimes look deep into your eyes for minutes at a time as if she was trying to understand or maybe it was her way of saying she understood and loved you!

Vivian loved to flip through magazines, like to color and watch animated movies, however her favorite movies were The Birdcage and Mrs. Doubtfire. She enjoyed time listening to old school music, such as Al Green and Aretha Franklin, to name a few. She also loved to eat, especially sweets!

Vivian attended Thrive Community Options Day Program, for many years and prior to her passing she attended Innovative Services day program 3 days a week, Vivian also loved to travel and had a chance to visit Las Vegas, Disney Land and Disney World which she very much enjoyed.

She was an angel sent by God to show unconditional love and compassion for her family. Vivian departed her body in the early morning of February 5, 2023. Vivian is preceded in death by her parents Gloria Lee Sanders, Father Edgar Edward Nelson and her step dad Elmo Sanders.

Those left to cherish her precious memories are her sisters Edith Ann Nelson, Lisa (Marlon) House and Maurine (Alonzo) Warner, one aunt, Shirley Dotson, Nieces, Nephews & Cousins, her caregiver of many, many years Ruby Sharp and the friends she made during her journey! We all love and will miss you (SISTER).

A visitation for Vivian will be held Thursday, February 16, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery, 8600 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231. A funeral service will occur Friday, February 17, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 8600 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231. A graveside service will occur Friday, February 17, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Fairmount Cemetery, 430 S Quebec St., Denver, CO 80247.

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