Nelson, Thelma C., 96, September 22, 2014. A graveside service will be held today at 1 p.m. at the New Sweden Cemetery. Arrangements by Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou.
NEW SWEDEN – Thelma C. Nelson, 96, wife of the late Hartley O. Nelson, went home to her Lord and Savior suddenly on Monday, September 22, 2014, with her son Boyd by her side. She was born March 26, 1918, at home in Stockholm with her Aunt Cecelia Johanson as midwife, the daughter of George A. and Dorthea M. (Anderson) Nickerson.
Thelma was a good wife, mother, and grandmother and, like many other Swedes, was a very good cook. She traveled a lot in her early years, and finally married and settled in an old remodeled school house where she remained for close to 65 years. She worked out during her early years in Caribou for Roderick’s Camera and also had been employed in the New Sweden School cafeteria. She belonged to the New Sweden Baptist Church for almost 60 years where she served in the mission circle and sewing circle. She taught Sunday school for many years and had also attended the Woodland Baptist Church in Colby for a period of time. Thelma also belonged to the New Sweden Historical Society and the Maine Swedish Colony. Some highlights of her life were going with her aunt Cecelia Johanson to Prince Edward Island to visit her Uncle Abel Anderson, traveling up the Al-Can Highway with her brother, Donald, and his wife, Carola, to their home in Valdez, AK, and while there, flying in Don’s rebuilt two-seat Champ airplane. Lastly, she was particularly proud of re-doing a patchwork quilt and tacking it at age 92.
Thelma touched many people’s lives and will be sadly missed. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Hartley, on March 6, 1994; two brothers, Donald Nickerson and Stanley Nickerson and his wife Virginia; and one grandson, Nils Nelson. She is survived by two sons, Boyd L. Nelson of New Sweden, and Bruce Nelson and his wife Paula of Pembroke; sisters-in-law, Carola Nickerson of Wesley, and Francis Nelson of New Sweden; two granddaughters, Tammie Martin of Stafford, VA and Julie Vignato of Vista, CA, five great-grandchildren, Christina Nelson of Spain, Gracie and Sophia Vignato of Vista, CA, Ethan and Wynn Martin both of Stafford, VA; several nieces and nephews.
In keeping with Thelma’s wishes, calling hours will be private. Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for a graveside service, which will be conducted Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at 1 p.m. at the New Sweden Cemetery with the Reverend Otto Palmer officiating. Those who wish may contribute in Thelma’s memory to the charity or organization of one’s choice. Arrangements are in the care of Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou. www.mocklerfuneral home.com.
