Patricia A. Nelson
On November 13, 2021 PATRICIA A. NELSON (nee Connolly); born and raised in Chester, PA, Patricia graduated from West Chester University with a teaching degree and dedicated her career to teaching elementary and special education in Chester Upland school district until she retired in 2006. She passed on her love of learning, the value of education and spirit of independence to her two daughters.
Patricia loved traveling with her husband Ken and included adventures to Alaska, an unforgettable wagon train trip through Wyoming, and relaxing in the Florida Keys. She also enjoyed many weekend trips in Ken’s plane and taking annual family vacations to the beach.
An avid reader, Patricia could be found reading 3-4 books at a time while also finding time to nurture her passion for gardening and trying new recipes. She was also an animal lover who enjoyed keeping tabs on the grizzly bears on the Katmai Alaska bear cam and one day dreamed of opening a dog rescue.
Patricia was loved by all who met her but following the death of her daughter she was especially treasured by her network of friends through Grief Net, where she connected with countless mothers who worked
together through coping with the loss of a child and making lifelong friends across the country.
Patricia, affectionately known as “Nanny” to her grandsons Aidan and Ben, she truly loved spending time with them playing games, cheering them on at their soccer matches, flag football and basketball games.
Patricia is the beloved wife of the late Kenneth E. Nelson; loving mother of Kathleen E. Gilmer and her husband James and the late Beth A. Nelson; dear sister of Kathleen Connolly Nachman, John Connolly and the late Joseph and William Connolly; cherished grandmother of Aidan and Benjamin. Also loving survived by a host of nieces, nephews and her faithful companion Molly.
A graveside service will be held in St. Peter and Paul Cemetery, 1600 S. Sproul Road, Springfield, PA 19064 on Tuesday, November 23 at 11:15am followed by a luncheon at the Springfield Country Club, 400 W. Sproul Road, Springfield, PA 19064 from 12noon to 3pm to honor Patricia’s life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Patricia’s memory to CityTeam Chester, where she and her husband Ken spent many years volunteering and giving back to the community. CityTeam Chester • 634 Sproul Street • Chester PA 19013, 610.872.6865 or visit www.Cityteam.org/chester