Louise Snow Nelson

Our loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Louise Snow Nelson, returned to her Heavenly Father on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the age of 89. She is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, Jim Nelson; her sisters Lillian and Dixie; and her children Julie (Rick), Paul (Julie), Jennie (Warren), Mark (Teri), Andy (Lisa), and Matt (Michelle), along with their continuously growing families. She is now reunited with those who preceded her in death: her mother Elizabeth “Grandma Beth” Snow, her father Wesley Levi Snow, her brother Wesley Snow Jr., and her beloved son Scott Nelson. As a daughter of God and devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, Louise dedicated her life to Them through loving service to her family and others. To put it simply: “She was the best person I’ve ever known.” — Jim Nelson

In the final years of her life, a series of falls and the progression of Alzheimer’s gradually weakened her memory. After a recent broken hip, her health declined more rapidly. She passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

Louise leaves behind a considerable legacy, but she will be remembered most for her gracious spirit and unfaltering character. Naturally curious and intelligent, she listened more than she spoke, moving through the world with kindness and grace, highlighted by her infectious laugh and sharp sense of humor. To be in her presence was to witness real-time memories in the making. She could have taught a masterclass in motherhood, even turning the smallest things—like picking up pinecones—into an exciting game aptly named “penny-a-pinecone.” With a relentless can-do attitude, she had a way of finding beauty in each moment and helping others notice it too, all without ever calling attention to herself.

This care and attention to detail were reflected not only in her family life but also in her faith and constant service to others. She always stepped up for those in need—from caring for their foster daughter Charlotte, who lived with the family for eight years, to serving a mission at Deseret Industries, where she helped immigrants and other individuals improve their lives through work, training, and education. Never expecting anything in return, it was a beautiful closing of the circle that the same Ethiopians she helped at Deseret Industries nearly twenty years earlier were among those who cared for her with love and extraordinary tenderness in her final weeks.

Those who experienced her generosity of spirit felt uplifted and inspired in her presence. Her ability to see the inherent goodness of every one of God’s children was her compass and strength.

Sealed together in 1957 in the Salt Lake Temple, Louise and Jim’s eternal marriage was built to last—much like all of her relationships. She supported him steadfastly throughout their life together, sharing a marriage defined by joy, faith and love. Jim tells the story of first seeing her at Brigham Young University and doing everything short of stalking her in hopes that she would acknowledge his existence. He wondered whether a simple farm boy from Alberta, Canada, like himself might stand a chance with such a smart, engaging, beautiful, and stunning young woman. Sixty-eight years, seven children, twenty-three grandchildren, and eighteen great-grandchildren later, the answer would appear to be yes.

A memorial service to celebrate Louise's life and faith will take place on Saturday, December 27, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5701 8th Ave NE. A viewing will be held from 9 to 9:45 a.m. prior to the service. While her earthly journey has come to a close, her influence continues through the generations she nurtured and the countless lives she served. We find comfort in the knowledge that families are eternal and we will be reunited again.

For those who would like to honor the generosity with which she lived, the family requests that any contributions be made to the Ethiopian Community Center - https://ecseattle.org/donate/ or Mamma’s Hands - https://mammashands.org/donate/

The zoom link below can be used for those who are unable to attend the service in person, but who would like to view the service from home.

Zoom Link - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82499836617