Mary E. ”Betty” Nelson, 80, of
Downsville, passed away Thursday morning, April 26,
2007 in Delaware Valley Hospital, Walton after a long
illness.
Betty was born in Mineola, Long Island on October
18, 1926, the daughter of the late William and
Elizabeth (Reilly) Breen. After graduation of high
school she attended Hofstra University. Betty married
Richard G. Nelson on April 11, 1953 at Corpus Christi
Roman Catholic Church, Mineola, NY. The Nelsons
moved to Cooperstown in 1957 and Downsville in 1959.
Betty was employed as an Administrative Assistant by
the Delaware County ARC, Walton. She had been
secretary of the Colchester Chamber of Commerce,
and a member of the Democratic Club serving as
committee person for many years. She was a leader of
the Delaware Co. Mounted Drill Team 4H which were
state champions several years, and also a leader of the
Golden Riders 4H Club. She was also a faithful
member of the Church of the Holy Family.
Betty is survived by her husband: Richard G. Nelson
and five sons: William G. (Janet Lee) Nelson of
Eudora, Arkansas, James R. (Nadine) Nelson of
Shinhopple, NY, and Timothy Wayne Nelson, Stanley
R. (Rosemary) Nelson, and David E. Nelson, all of
Downsville, NY.; four brothers: William Breen of
Cutchogue, NY, Edward Breen of Wallingford,
Connecticut, Bernard Breen of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania and Michael Breen of Lees Summit,
Missouri. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Billy,
Becky, Cole & Shannon and several nieces, nephews
and cousins. She was predeceased by two sisters, Eileen
Lowell and Barbara Duff.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April
28, 2007 at 11 AM at the Church of The Holy Family,
Maple Avenue, Downsville, with the Rev. Edward
Ryan officiating. There are no calling hours.
Funeral arrangements are by the Clark, Winter &
Courtney Funeral Home, Walton.
Memorial donations may be made to Catskill Area
Hospice, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820 or
the Church of the Holy Family, Maple Avenue,
Downsville, NY 13755
Mary E.
"Betty" Nelson
