Sue Nelson

Sue Havill Nelson, 84, a beloved mother, grandmother and member of the St. Nicholas Parish, died at St Joseph Hospital in Tacoma on December 2, 2024 attended by her loving family.

Sue was born and raised in Casper, Wyoming, where she attended Natrona County High School and Casper College on a scholarship. Throughout her youth, Sue demonstrated a passion for learning and service, and this continued throughout her life. She was active in 4-H (she won the WY state championship one year), excelled in school and played the French Horn. Sue was invited to play with Wyoming’s only Civic Symphony orchestra, while she was a Junior and Senior in high school. She also played with the Casper City Band.

In 1959, Sue married Robert (Bob) Nelson, and together, they raised three children and established a family-centered life built on love, commitment and a shared sense of humor. Bob passed away in June 2021, after a long and devoted marriage of 61 years.

Sue dedicated her life to her family, in particular, her children and grandchildren. She was an involved parent, driving on field trips, volunteering for classroom support, and organizing very successful fundraisers for their schools. In addition, she created 4-H Clubs for her children and their friends and served with the King County Fair Board. She touched the lives of many children in these endeavors, many of whom still credit her with their baking, sewing, and entertaining skills. She was also the “fun” mom and created a home and an environment where all the neighborhood children loved to play.

Once her children moved on to college, Sue, who was excellent at math, pursued additional education in accounting. She began a career working in accounting departments, most notably at Wesley Terrace and Jones Stevedoring.

Prior to retirement, Sue and Bob moved to the Key Peninsula and built a new home as a respite for themselves, their children, and grandchildren. These years saw Sue busy with a myriad of extraordinary gardening projects. Sue loved hosting family birthdays, holidays, baking competitions and friends. Her gardens provided a beautiful backdrop for family memories, as she continued to nurture her loved ones with the same care and attention she always had.

Sue continued volunteering and fundraising in her later years with St. Nicholas Parish and school in Gig Harbor. She made some of her best friends through her volunteer work over the years.

Sue is survived by her daughters Deb and Laura, their husbands James (Deb) and Joe (Laura), and their children, Sam, Grace, Hailey and Charlie. Bob and Sue's son, Rob, predeceased both she and Bob and is survived by his wife, Jane and their children Nathan and Natalie. Sue is also survived by her brother Dean Havill.

Funeral services will be private as she is laid to rest in Gig Harbor, WA. Sue’s life was a testament to love, service and unwavering devotion to family and community. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.