Georgia Nelson

Georgia Gaddis Nelson, 92, departed this life for Heaven on December 15, 2012. Born Georgia Eleen Gaddis, she leaves a legacy of extraordinary love, grace, and generosity, which touched all whom she met. These wonderful gifts may have been honed through a hard childhood on a ranch in Nebraska; or by being sent away to a boarding school at a tender age; or through experiencing the crisis of the Great Depression; or by having three children under the age of two, living in an upstairs apartment while her husband, worked during the day and attended law school at night. Clearly to Georgia and her adoring family, however, these gifts were from God.

Georgia met her future husband, N. Clifford Nelson, at the University of Iowa in 1939. They were married in 1943 while he served in the U.S. Navy. Upon his discharge, they settled in Chicago. Georgia was a devoted wife who always put the needs of her husband and children ahead of her own. She willingly relocated the family as Cliff was transferred, first to Kansas City and then to Rochester, NY, and ensured that each new home was warm, secure, and encouraging for husband and children.

Georgia loved children. Even as she lovingly and patiently raised her own three children, she shared her boundless love with her nieces and nephews as well as the children she taught in Sunday school. She was active in the Sunday schools of her various churches for nearly 50 years, always genuinely interested in the thoughts and feelings of the little ones, never in a hurry, always quick with a smile or hug.

After Cliff died in 1995, Georgia relocated to Denver, CO, to be near her daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Bruce Wallace. She immediately made friends, both in her church, the Third Christian Reformed, and around her neighborhood. She enjoyed long daily walks, coming to know children along the way. Pictures of "Grandma Georgia" and her new little friends still adorn many bookshelves and mantles.

Georgia developed unshakeable lifetime bonds with friends from Chicago, to Kansas City, to Rochester, to Denver. Her warm and easy-going nature made her many a dear friend. This was quickly noticed at her most recent senior residence where the staff would introduce new residents to Georgia, knowing that she would quickly make them feel at home and loved in their new surroundings.

Georgia lived modestly but shared lavishly. The list of charities she supported was several pages long, and she was always eager to support Christian ministries, particularly those that aided children who never experienced the love that she so richly and consistently gave. It was easy and joyful for her to give generously because she was deeply grateful for the blessings she received from her Savior.

Georgia is survived by an adoring and grateful family: children N. Clifford, Jr. Beth of Orchard Park, NY; John Robert Cyndy of Kennett Square, PA; Jill Bruce Wallace of Greenwood Village, CO; grandchildren Lisa Stephen Sayoc; Christopher Holly Nelson; Stephen Christina Nelson; Matthew Alana Nelson; Jessica Nelson, Stephanie Nelson, Emily Nelson, Michael Wallace, Timothy Wallace and Jeffrey Darrah Wallace; great grandchildren, Taylor Sayoc, Noah Sayoc, Savannah Sayoc, Abigail Nelson, Ryan Nelson, Madison Nelson, Myra Nelson, Georgia Nelson, Marion Wallace, and Alden Wallace.

A memorial service will be held at the Third Christian Reformed Church, 2400 S.Ash, Denver, CO 80222 at 10:30 am Friday, January 4, 2013. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Joshua Station, 2330 W. Mulberry Pl., Denver, CO 80204.