Nelson, Mary Jane

Mary Jane Nelson, 97, of Cedar Rapids, died at Heritage Care Center, Friday, March 29, 2013. Graveside Services: 9:30 a.m. Monday at Dunkard Cemetery, Midway. A visitation will be held on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel.

Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Rita Nelson of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Scott (Sandra) Nelson, Kelly Nelson and Sherry Shultz, all of Cedar Rapids; two sisters, Mae Ferguson and Ruth Mortland, both of Cedar Rapids; great-grandchildren, Allyson and Jack Nelson and Joshua and Weston Shultz; a sister-in-law, Mary Claire Doonan; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd “Skip”; a son, Allen, a sister, Celia Hartz; two brothers, John Lee and Clarence Doonan; three brothers-in-law, John Ferguson, Clifford Mortland and Glen Hartz; and sister-in-law, Frances Doonan.

Jane was born June 26, 1915, in Erie, Ireland, to John and Florence Doonan. She came to Ellis Island with her parents and sister, Mae, in 1919. The family settled on a farm in the Toddville area, where she attended school. She married Lloyd Nelson in 1935. He died in 1981. She was employed by the Kresge's Dime Store for several years and later at Lamson Board of Trade for over 10 years. She retired from the Cedar Rapids school system after 10 years.

Jane liked to work in her yard, planting flowers. She enjoyed going to the Witwer Center with her sister, Mae. Jane remained proud of her Irish roots and attended the Sa-Pa-Da-Pa-So parade every year. She loved her weekly visits with her sisters, enjoying a cold Old Style, watching Wheel of Fortune.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be sent to www.cedarmemorial.com.

Published March 30, 2013 in The Gazette