Jeffery Fay Nelson

Jeffery Fay Nelson of Colorado Springs died peacefully at home on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the age of 72. He was a devoted father, husband and provider who delighted in children, nature, music, intellectual and spiritual discovery, and quiet contemplation. His presence in the lives of those who knew him will be deeply missed.

Jeff was born on October 28, 1952 in Hastings, Nebraska to Fay Driscoll Nelson and Doris Marie (Baily) Nelson. In 1958, his parents settled in Colorado Springs, where they would make their home for 50 years. During his childhood, Jeff loved spending summers at the Baily family farm outside of Oxford, Nebraska with his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. He attended Jefferson Elementary School, East Junior High and Wasson High School, class of 1970. He met Lucienne Damico in the summer of 1972 at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs where they were both undergraduate students. He and Lucienne married in December 1974, beginning their life together in Denver where Jeff was accepted into the nursing program at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver. He and Lucienne enjoyed 5 years of adventure together as a married couple before having kids; they loved going on camping road trips in their VW hatchback, exploring the Western states. Jeff’s beloved miniature schnauzer dog Julius was a constant companion for all 20 years of her canine life. In 1980, Jeff and Lucienne welcomed their first child, Adam. Jeff discovered his purpose in life as a father to his five children. He was deeply devoted to his family and was intently involved in raising the children and supporting Lucienne’s career.

Jeff graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1977 and began his career as a Registered Nurse. One of very few men in the nursing profession at that time, Jeff was recognized for his clinical excellence, intelligence, warmth and compassion with patients and colleagues. Over the course of his career, Jeff provided expert nursing care to patients in varied settings including critical care, pediatrics, and inpatient clinical research. Lucienne later completed her BSN education and they both worked as nurses, often on the same unit, working opposite shifts so that one of them could be home with the children. Lucienne served as a commissioned corps officer in the United States Public Health Service; Jeff’s role as supporter and advisor made it possible for her to advance in rank and take on challenging roles in her 25 years of service. Their careers took them to Bethesda, Maryland in the early 1990s to work at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Research Hospital.

After 25 years, Jeff retired from nursing and continued his primary vocation as a parent, guiding his five children through adolescence and early adulthood as they each grew up and left home. He felt and thought very deeply about what was possible for his children in their individual strengths and abilities and was a wise counsel to them. He became Papa in 2011 when his first grandson was born. Each of the eight grandchildren in the family were cherished by Jeff; he had special nicknames for each of them and loved their visits and video calls, drawings and songs. He was a patient and attentive grandparent who would always listen to the little ones, notice their uniqueness and help them feel special and loved.

Jeff and Lucienne settled back in Colorado Springs in 2016 after her retirement, having found the Old Farm place that they’d always dreamed about. For the last 8 years of his life, Jeff faced new challenges as his physical abilities gradually declined in the wake of a life-threatening aortic dissection, open heart surgery, a stroke and diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. As difficult as it is to lose one’s health and independence, Jeff found ways to adapt to his circumstances and to find joy. He found great peace in the presence of nature, connecting with his family and friends, and in his spiritual reawakening in the Catholic faith. Lucienne was a devoted caregiver to him in this final chapter of their life together. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary together on December 28, 2024 at home with some of their children and grandchildren. Just a week or so later, he became ill with pneumonia and entered hospice care at home. He died very peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Bridget, who passed before birth in 1987. He is survived by his wife, Lucienne D’Amico Nelson; son Adam and his wife Karina, son Seth and his wife Hailey, son Bobby and his wife Amber; daughters Lindsay Nelson and Luciana Rubiera; grandchildren Brinton, Dorothy and Daphne Nelson; Liliana, Amelia, Gabriela and Luca Rubiera; and Evangeline Nelson; niece Lara and nephew Beno Kuharich; his beloved brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, aunts, uncles and dear friends.

Jeff’s legacy is his wonderful family, the lives that he and Lucienne welcomed into this world and shaped with their love and devotion. His family takes comfort in knowing he is at peace now in the infinite love of Christ.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2318 N Cascade Ave., with a reception to follow in the parish hall. Interment of cremains will occur at Pikes Peak National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Carmel of the Holy Spirit, Littleton CO; or Priestly Fraternity of St Peter.