Obit: Nelson, Helen M. (1927 - 2012)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Nelson, Paun, Stevens, Cassell, Seymour

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 11/16/2012

Nelson, Helen M. (16 NOV 1927 - 19 JUL 2012)

Helen M. (Paun) Nelson, Napa, CA, November 16, 1927 - July 19, 2012. Born in Granton, Wisconsin of Croatian Immigrant Parents, Thomas Anton Paun and Mary Elizabeth Paun. Eldest of Seven Children. Helen was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Dick Nelson and only son, Richard A. Nelson. Survived by her loving daughter, Karen Stevens of San Ramon, CA. Brothers, Joe Paun, Menomonee Falls, WI, Frank Paun, Rockford, IL, John (Ellen) Paun, Granton, WI, Thomas (Janette) Paun, Granton, WI. Sisters, Martha (Robert) Seymour, Richmond, CA, and Mary Jane (Vern) Cassell, Louisville, KY. Also many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends.

Helen is a graduate of Neillsville High School. Shortly after, she moved to Richmond, CA, where she met and married Dick N. Nelson. They took over the Nelson Family business, where they ran Nelson Shopping Center on 23rd and Macdonald Ave, Richmond, CA for 43 years before retirement. They moved to Napa, CA in 1971. Helen was civic minded, participating in local organizations, donating to various charities, especially during the Holidays. She was a vibrant, outgoing person who enjoyed entertaining and hosting elaborate dinner parties, spending time with family and friends at her Lake Tahoe home. Some of her favorite hobbies were traveling abroad, cruising, doll collecting and oil painting. Helen's infectious smile and humorous laugh will be missed by many. Also the devotion she bestowed on her three felines, Ricky, Lucy and Sammy.

A memorial Mass, has been held at St John's Catholic Church in El Cerrito, CA. She was laid to rest with her husband and son at Oakmont Memorial Park in Lafayette, CA.