Monica Nelson

August 5, 1970 - November 19, 2018

Monica Nelson was the beloved daughter of Dr. Richard and Louise Nelson, sister of Jennifer (Steve) Pedigo and Christian (Rebecca) Nelson, aunt to Javanna Pedigo and James Nelson.

She graduated from Our Lady of Angels School in Burlingame, Notre Dame High School in Belmont and the University of California Berkeley School of Environmental Design. She continued with postgraduate studies in engineering and mathematics at San Franciso State University. Always strongly independent, Monica chose to forego the pursuit of a master’s degree in favor of self-study for architectural board examinations which she passed on her first attempt, a rather unusual feat.

She had keen interests in music, photography, mathematics, drawing and design and worked in simple, clean and elegant lines. Monica mapped music and mathematical concepts to one another, producing visual representations. Her professional signature was a visual representation, in cubes of varying colors and sizes, of a friend’s poem. She had the ability to substitute colors for numbers.

While at UC Berkeley, Monica was a photographer for the UC Bears football team. She enjoyed traveling, especially to France, and while working in a small village there one summer, was responsible for broadcasting the daily news in French. She was an excellent cook and gardener.

Monica was a philosophical, inquiring, private, kind, compassionate and loving person. She gave full attention to family and friends and brought them joy by simply being with them. She will be missed greatly and forever.

A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date. For those who wish to donate in Monica’s honor, consider the Sisters of Mercy, 2300 Adeline Drive, Burlingame CA 94010, the Capuchin Franciscans, 1345 Cortez, Burlingame CA 94010 or a charity of your choice.