Edith (Edie) E. Nelson, of Grand Rapids, MI went to her heavenly home on her 81st birthday of August 6, 2022 with her loving family by her side. She was born August 6, 1941, in the city of Elmhurst, just outside Chicago, Illinois to Frank and Helen (Liljegren) Petersen. She grew up in Chicago where her father worked as a radio technician and her mother tended the home, which included two older brothers (Bill and Art) and a younger brother (Frank). As a child in the early 1950's, she attended a children's ministry event at Cuyler Covenant Church in her neighborhood where she committed her life to Christ after trusting Him as her Savior. The church family at Cuyler Covenant became a constant source of comfort for her after losing her mother at age fourteen.
Upon graduating from Lakeview High School in Chicago, she worked as a secretary at Covenant Headquarters, the office of the Evangelical Covenant Church. It was there she met Richard Nelson, a seminary student, who had come into the office to purchase his books. They were married shortly after on September 7, 1963. Together, they served churches in Butte, Montana, Hector, Minnesota, and Orange, Massachusetts from 1963-1982 while raising four children of their own (Kristin, Tim, Mark, and Amy). Her gift was working with infants and young children, and she found joy in serving in the church's nursery, preschool class, and after-school Good News Club. Her love of children led her to open her home as a daycare for several years as well.
In 1982, the family moved to Keene, New Hampshire where Richard began work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the state of New Hampshire. After raising her children, she worked for 10 years as a secretary for the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation in Keene. She and Richard also served at Monadnock Covenant Church in Keene as the nursery and toddler leaders, making children and their parents feel welcome and loved.
Edie loved spending time with her grandchildren, teaching them songs and playing with them. She and Richard found joy in choosing the perfect birthday or Christmas gift for each grandchild.
After Richard's death in 2015, Edie moved to Covenant Living of the Great Lakes in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She brought encouragement to many in her last years in skilled nursing.

Edie leaves behind her daughter Kristin Karlson [Erik], son Tim Nelson [Sally], son Mark Nelson [Corrie] and daughter Amy Almer [Erik] as well as her 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers, Arthur and Frank Petersen, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Edie was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Richard Nelson; brother William Petersen.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 10 a.m. at Monadnock Covenant Church, 90 Base Hill Road, Keene. Service Details. Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event Ongoing Online Event About this event In Loving Memory Of Edith Nelson August 6, 1941 - August 6, 2022 Look inside to read what others have shared Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book