Nancy Elizabeth Nelson

Nancy Elizabeth Nelson, 87 of Largo, Florida, passed away on May 1,2026. She was born in Stoneham, Massachusetts on June 11, 1938; the sixth child of Carl Reynold and Helen Galvin Nelson. In 1945, the family relocated to Leonia, N.J., where Nancy flourished. After graduating from The Academy of the Holy Angels, she entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame and began her lifelong career as a high school math teacher. She earned graduate degrees at Providence College and Stanford University, where she spent four summers as a National Science Foundation scholar.

Her 22 years (1976 – 1998) teaching math at West Milford High School were marked by her devotion to her students, the school and the community. Upon retirement, Nancy relocated to Clearwater, Florida, where she was a volunteer tutor several days a week at Clearwater High School and was recognized as volunteer of the year. Nancy Nelson will be remembered for her love of the Yankees and her dedication to family.

She was preceded in death by siblings Kathleen Kelly (Joseph), Paul Nelson, Helen Nelligan, Helenann Nelson, S.S.N.D., Dorothy Carletta (Joseph), Mary Carole Nelson and brother-in-law Keiran Dale. She is survived by her sister, Claire Dale, brother William Nelson and sister-in-law Barbara Nelson, brother-in-law Timothy Nelligan and many nieces and nephews, each of whom was her favorite.

A Funeral Mass is planned for June 25 at noon at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, Leonia, NJ. Interment of her ashes to follow at Madonna Cemetery, Fort Lee, NJ