Obituary of Luella M. Nelsen

Luella M. Nelsen, 80, formerly of 27 Pleasant Ave., Jamestown, died Tuesday, March 6, 2012 in the home of her son at 1508 Route 394, Falconer where she had resided for several years. She was born in Watts Flats, NY on April 1, 1931. Luella was the widow of the late Norman O. Nelsen Sr. whom she married November 18, 1950 and who died February 28, 1997. In earlier years, she was employed by the former Verblaw Motors and for over 20 years worked for the Dawson Metal Company. Luella was a faithful Christian and devoted member of the Jamestown Church of Christ. She was a founding member and first secretary of the Chautauqua County Youth Hockey program and is credited with having originated the 'Lakers' name. It is often said that she sewed the first patch on the first hockey jersey. Luella will also be remembered for the constant care she gave to her older neighbors throughout the years. Surviving are four children: Norman "Buzz" Nelsen Jr. (Tonya) and Becky Jean Nelsen, both of Jamestown, Charles "Chip" Nelsen (Kelly) of Busti and Paul Nelsen (Joyce) of Falconer with whom she made her home; thirteen grandchildren: Tammy Nelsen Johnston, Jamie, Lindsay and Cody Nelsen, Timothy (Stefany), Jesse (Ashley), Joshua and Corey Nelsen, and Nicholas, Diane, Brian, Abbie and Halle Nelsen; twelve great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her father, Claude Pangborn, mother, Theresa Steppe Pangborn Johnson and step-father, Fred Johnson; an infant son, Timothy Nelsen; granddaughter, Theresa J. Nelsen; four sisters Ella Mae, Lorraine, Ruth and Claudia "Pudgy"; and brother, Richard "Dick". The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Jamestown Church of Christ. Burial will be in the Gerry Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the Lind Funeral Home. Luella's family is extremely thankful for the people of Hospice and especially the care and friendship of Laurie. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Chautauqua County, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750.