Connie Jane Henderson Nelson

Connie Jane Henderson Nelson

Iowa City

Connie Jane Henderson Nelson, age 75 of Iowa City, died Saturday, May 31, 2025, after her battle with diabetes complicated a brief, unexpected illness. She was born in Louisville, Kentucky on November 29, 1949, the eldest child of the late Bernard and Edith Mae Henderson of Elizabethtown, Kentucky.

Connie was preceded in death by her two sisters, Becky and Jo Ann, and her brothers Brad and Mark. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Professor Emeritus John S. Nelson; her daughter Anna of Iowa City; her son Aaron (Rebecca Capasso) and grandchildren Samantha and Josephine of New York City; and a large, extended family whom she loved.

Connie was a talented manager and editor, most recently of the medical journal Hypertension. She delighted in art, music, and wildlife along with Batman and Caitlin Clark. She kept a gracious home, gardened beautiful flowers, and supported countless University of Iowa students, while caring for loved ones through long illnesses and at the ends of their lives.

Connie was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at age 13. She was the kindest, most sunny, most determined person we knew. Her cheerfulness was a choice she made daily as her challenging condition progressed. She appreciated and benefited from medical science then donated her organs.

Her family will remember her privately with love.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lensingfuneral.com.