Evelyn Richards Nelson

Evelyn died peacefully on April 9, 2011 at the age of 98. She was born in Bremerton, Washington, on August 7, 1912, the daughter of Hyrum Barton and Eleanor Richards. She graduated from Bremerton High School and the University of Washington where she was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority. In 1936 she married the love of her life, Dr. Jack N. Nelson. In 1939 they came to Seattle to establish his medical practice and raise a family.

She was a devoted wife and mother, a beautiful lady with great integrity, who gave her family unconditional love. Her memory will be forever with us and those she touched. Nieces and nephews affectionately called her “Aunt Evelyn.” As a founding member of the Eula Lee Merrill Orthopedic Guild, she served as its first President and served again as President in 1983. For years each May we helped Mom with the Orthopedic Penny Drive and she taught us the importance of giving. Golf was her love. She served as Broadmoor Ladies Captain, won the Club Championship and proudly watched as her daughter, Janet, followed in her footsteps as Ladies Captain and Club Champion. She was an ardent Bridge player and enjoyed playing with her dear friends in her later years.

She is survived by her two children, Janet Schmitt (Nicholas) of Sammamish, Washington, and John E. Nelson Ph.D. (Susan) of Silver Springs, Maryland. She leaves three Grandchildren, Nicholas, Peter, Katharine and Great Grandchildren, Nick, Caroline, and Sydney. The family wishes to thank her wonderful caregivers, Mariana and Radu Cristodora, for their 12 years of devotion and loving care.

A private family memorial was held at Acacia Memorial Park where she was interred with her husband Jack. Remembrances may be made to Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 5372, Seattle, WA 98145.

Arrangements under the direction of Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Seattle, Washington.