Patricia Gail Nelson

Born and raised in Indianapolis, IN, Gail graduated from Shortridge High School and earned her B.S. in Nursing from Indiana University on June 12, 1967. A member of Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing, she devoted her life to caring for others, both professionally and personally.

As a registered nurse specializing in neurosurgery, Gail combined her skill with compassion. Her extensive nursing knowledge served her, her family, and her friends throughout her life. ­She saved her husband’s life on two separate occasions, resulting in his open-heart surgery and later, he received a pacemaker. During her lifetime as a Type I diabetic since age 11, she witnessed remarkable advances in diabetes management—from the days of sterilizing reusable glass syringes in boiling water to the development of modern insulin pumps with continuous glucose monitoring systems.

On September 6, 1970, Gail married Donald L. Nelson, at North United Methodist Church, where she was a long-standing member. Together, they built a loving home and shared 55 wonderful years of marriage.

A life-long learner, Gail enjoyed reading and never lost her curiosity about the world. She took the knowledge gained from her high school botany courses in caring for her beloved gardens and sharing that knowledge with others. Gail had an appreciation for music and the arts and found joy in cooking for those she loved. Whether nurturing flowers, preparing a favorite meal, or sharing a thoughtful conversation inspired by something she had read, Gail enriched the lives of those around her with her wisdom, kindness, and generosity.

A founding member of the Sycamore Ice Skating Club at Perry Park in Indianapolis, IN (near her home), Gail shared her passion for figure skating with her family. Her love of figure skating became a cherished family sport, allowing her children the opportunity to figure skate most days of the week.

Above all, Gail’s greatest joy was her family. She will be deeply missed by her beloved husband of 55 years, Donald L. Nelson; her daughters, Jennifer Gomez and Karen Nelson; her younger brother, Mahlon Smith; and her grand-animals, Ziggy Louis, Bella, Bridget, and KitKat. Her love, encouragement, and quiet strength will remain with them always.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents, Marjorie V. and Ralph C. Smith, and her older brother, Dale Smith.

Gail will be remembered for her caring heart, inquisitive mind, gentle spirit, and the countless ways she made the lives of others better. Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished, the patients she cared for, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love.

A grave-side service will take place at a future date at Greenwood Cemetery (Near Main Street and US 31S in Greenwood, IN). In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: The American Diabetes Association: https://donate.diabetes.org/wefight or The National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/