Helen M. Bright Nelson

Helen Marie Nelson, age 82, of Traverse City went to be with her Lord, Monday, July 19, 2010 at Munson Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 23, 1927 in Maple City, at the family farm, to Ora and Erma (Ross) Bright. On July 14, 1945 Helen married the love of her life Walter Thomas “Pete” Nelson Jr. in Traverse City.

Helen worked for many years as the manager of the gift wrapping and lay-a-way department at Millikens. She also worked as a baker for Chef Pierre.

Helen was an active member of the First Church of the Nazarene and a volunteer at Munson Medical Center. Helen was a farm girl at heart. She wouldn’t think twice about getting her hands dirty, whether it was pulling weeds or growing something beautiful. She also loved to travel and spent many winters with Pete in Arizona. Helen was known for her cooking. She loved to make a meal for anyone who came to visit and especially for her husband and family.

Helen will be greatly missed by her husband of 65 years, Walter Thomas “Pete” Nelson Jr., her children: Debbra (Thomas) Steffes of Traverse City and Ricky (Lee) Nelson of Traverse City; Grandchildren: Tom Nelson Jr. (Lorrie), Jimmy Nelson, Scott (Missy) Steffes, Paul (Jamie) Steffes, Amy (Jon) Hill, Amber (Brian) Schwalm, Greg Chess, and Nate Chess; 7 great grandchildren: Macy, Andrew, Caleb, Iris, McClellan, Nicole, and Lizzy; a brother Fred (Cleo) Bright and a sister Marge Erickson; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; beloved dog Chloe.

Besides her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her son Thomas E. Nelson Sr., brothers Bill, Bob, and Milt Bright, and sister Madge Haywood.

A visitation will be held Thursday, July 22, 2010 at the Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A funeral will be held on Friday, July 23, 2010 at the First Church of the Nazarene at 1 p.m., with visitation 1 hr prior at the church. Reverend Rick Rice will officiate. Burial will take place at East Kasson Cemetery in Maple City.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the First Church of the Nazarene, 1023 S. Division St., Traverse City, MI 49684.

Please share a memory of Helen at www.MeM.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Traverse City.