Mathilde Janvier Nelson

Mathilde Janvier Nelson passed away on January 21, 2025 at the age of 83 years old. She was predeceased by her parents, George Janvier, Jr. and Leonhard Hardin Janvier and her loving husband of 61 years, Albert James "Jimmy" Nelson, III.

Mathilde is survived by her three sons: Albert James "Jim" Nelson, IV (Claudia), George Janvier Nelson (Virginia), and Christopher Matthew Nelson (Kelly), and eight grandchildren: Caroline Janvier Nelson, Emily Louise Eble Nelson, Katherine Elizabeth Nelson, Davis George Nelson, Elizabeth Susan Mathilde Nelson, Luke Alexander Nelson, Matthew James Nelson, and William Michael Nelson. Mathilde is also survived by her brother, George Janvier, III.

Mathilde was a native New Orleanian who was in the first graduating class of Edward Hynes Grammar School. She also graduated from Alcee Fortier High School and Ole Miss. Mathilde spent many weekends in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi and was good friends with Gwendolyn "Gwennie" Nelson. One weekend, as fate would have it, Gwennie introduced Mathilde to Jimmy Nelson at a party and they immediately connected and soon began their courtship that would lead to a marriage of over 61 years.

Mathilde spent her early married years as a dedicated mother to her three sons and was involved in their school activities at Holy Name of Jesus, Christian Brothers, and Jesuit High School. From Cub Scout leader to room mother to field trip coordinator and dedicated Carrollton Boosters parent, Mathilde was always there to support her children and husband. She was a very successful real estate agent for more than 30 years with Waguespack-Pratt, Farnworth Samuel Waguespack, Audubon Brokers, Avenue & Lane, Latter & Blum, and Keller-Williams and was extremely passionate about representing her clients.

After Hurricane Katrina, Mathilde and Jimmy relocated to Georgia to be closer to their four youngest grandchildren. Having a love of the sun and beach, they moved to Orange Beach, Alabama in 2010 to live the remainder of their golden years. Always outgoing and one to easily make friends, Mathilde became involved in the Orange Beach Bridge Club and was recognized on a regular basis for her bridge playing skills and received several awards. Mathilde was most happy spending time and playing Scrabble and board games with her children, grandchildren and friends.

The family would like to thank the exceptional nurses and staff at Metairie Healthcare Center and Poydras Home for their outstanding compassion and care of Mathilde in her final days.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation and Funeral Mass on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM with Mass to follow at 11:00 AM. A reception for family and friends will follow at the Southern Yacht Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Harry Tompson Center Homeless Shelter, c/o Immaculate Conception Church, 130 Baronne Street, New Orleans, LA 70112 (www.harrytompsoncenter.org); Holy Name of Jesus Foundations For the Future Campaign, 6220 Lasalle Place, New Orleans, LA 70118 (www.hnjchurch.org/foundations).

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com