Joyce S. Nelson

Joyce S. Nelson, nee Lange, age 88, most recently of Downers Grove, Illinois formerly a resident of Berwyn, Illinois for almost 50 years, passed away on Saturday, January 6th, 2024. Loving mother of Susan (Gordon) Postal, Paul (Catherine) Nelson, Phillip (Patricia) Nelson; cherished grandmother of Glenn (Michelle) Nelson, Daniel Nelson, and Nicole (Thomas) Johnson and great-grandmother of Makayla, Juliana, Grayson and Joseph Nelson; dear sister-in-law of Phillip and Paulette Nelson and fond aunt of Reverend Doctor Carol Lange.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years Glenn A. Nelson (1986); her parents Edwin and Annette (nee Schroeder) Lange; stepmother Emelia (Eisenbraun) Lange; brother and sister-in-Law Donald and Marilyn Lange, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Shirley (Nelson) and James Fullerton.

Throughout Joyce’s life, faith and family were her central focus. She was a long-time member and volunteer at Good Shepherd Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Berwyn, Illinois. Even in the final years of her earthly walk, Joyce continued learning; finding purpose; and strengthening her faith walk. She treasured the pastoral visits from Reverend Sorensen, Reverend Otten, and Reverend Tausz. She always had a stack of devotional books on her bedside tray.

In the last 5 years Joyce was blessed with visits and calls from many family members and friends. In particular she thoroughly enjoyed the time she spent with her great-grandchildren doing arts and crafts.

She also held various leadership roles in her lifetime. She was a member and leader for the Girl Scouts of America for over 25 years and also served as a PTA President.

We want to recognize and express our gratitude to the team members of the Oak Trace Health and Wellness Center as well as Angels Grace Hospice.

A celebration of life for Joyce will be held Saturday, January 13th, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Chapel Hill Gardens South Funeral Home, 11333 South Central Avenue, Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453, Pastor Ralph Tausz will officiate a memorial service from 11a.m. to 12 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Apostles, 10429 Fullerton Avenue, Melrose Park, Illinois 60164, or Misericordia Heart of Mercy, 6300 North Ridge, Chicago, Illinois 60660.

Online condolences and memories may be shared for the Nelson family at www.ChapelHillGardensSouth.com