Kadoka, South Dakota, she was the daughter of Harold and Cecilia McRae, the youngest of four
children. Harold and Cecilia raised Kathy to be active and independent in spite of her physical
challenges. As a child, Kathy could often be found running around town with her older sister chasing
behind her.
At 12 years old, Kathy attended the school for the deaf in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and after two years
transferred to the School for the Blind in Aberdeen, South Dakota. After graduating from high school,
she worked at the South Dakota State Department in Pierre and then moved to Sioux Falls. While in
Sioux Falls, she met and married George Nelson and they eventually moved to Brookings, South Dakota.
Kathy was a member of the St. Thomas More Catholic church in Brookings and an active member and
officer of the South Dakota Federation for the Blind. Kathy and George were married 28 years when
George preceded her in death in 2015.
Kathy then moved to Colorado to be closer to family. For the last five years she has been an active
member and officer of the Aurora chapter of the Colorado Federation for the Blind. Kathy remained
independent throughout her life. She never missed a birthday or anniversary and she loved to play
Bingo. Her challenges made her strong and her sweet demeanor made her friends wherever she went.
Kathy will be missed deeply by her loved ones.
Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, sister Janis and brother Richard. She is survived by her sister
Jeanette and many nieces and nephews.
