In Memoriam: Mary Nelson

Middlebury College notes the death of retiree Mary Agnes Nelson on July 2, 2016. Nelson joined the College in May of 1978, as a secretary in Wright Theatre and worked in this capacity until her retirement in March of 1994.

Born in Manhattan on July 17, 1926, Nelson was the daughter of Patrick and Mary Ellen (Greehy) Hynes. She graduated as valedictorian from Cathedral High School, class of 1944. Nelson pursued her passion for the arts throughout her career starting at the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). She later worked for the Hempstead, N.Y., Public School District in the high school music department before starting her career at the College.

Nelson was married to Walter John Nelson at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City and enjoyed almost 50 years of life together in New York and Vermont. Both avid readers with a quick wit, they spent hours discussing current events, history, books, politics, and religion. She was devoted to the parish of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Middlebury, and participated in the choir, religious education, and meeting the needs of the local community.

Nelson was predeceased by her husband, Walter, and her brother, Bernard Hynes. She is survived by her son, Robert J. Nelson and his wife Kelly of North Carolina; two daughters, Patricia N. Merrill and her husband Jeffrey of Kennebunk, and Elizabeth N. Egan and her husband Robert, also of Kennebunk. Mary found great joy in her grandchildren: Patrick, Christopher and Claire Nelson, James and Jessa Merrill, and Emily and Mary Egan.

A funeral Mass was held on Friday, July 8, 2016, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Parish/Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in Middlebury. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, visit Mary’s Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com. Arrangements were in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, Me. 04043.