Virginia Frances Qually Nelson, 83
Virginia F. Nelson, 83, passed from this life to the next on Monday, Oct. 17, 2011, in Coeur d'Alene. Virginia was born June 30, 1928, and was the daughter of Walter E. Qually and Katherine Qually Hogg.
She moved to Seattle as a teenager and graduated from Lincoln High School. Immediately following graduation Virginia began a career in the insurance field which she returned to in later years. She married Robert H. Nelson in Seattle on May 20, 1949, a marriage that lasted 58 years until his passing exactly three years ago, today.
The couple lived in Port Angeles and Brier Washington where they had two children, Jan Nelson Chonzena and Robert L. Nelson. For many years Virginia was involved in Ryther Group, an organization in Seattle giving fundraising support to underprivileged children. When both children were in junior high, Virginia returned to work becoming a Marine Insurance Underwriting Assistant, retiring in 1982. A job for Robert at that time took them to Bakersfield, Calif., where they lived until he retired in 1992. They relocated to Montesano, Wash., to be close to their grandchildren. It was during the next 10 years that they enjoyed many camping trips in their RV. After five years in Montesano they picked up and moved to Coeur d'Alene again, to be near their grandchildren who had relocated.
They began two annual trips that which were the highlight of each year; an annual fishing trip to Blue Lake in Washington and one to Shanako Lodge in Oregon for a reunion with Robert's Army buddies. Many of their social events were related to Robert's love and gift for guitar playing which was his passion - but hers was clearly making things; years of sewing and in her later years knitting. She had the opportunity to teach projects for a few years and enjoyed that very much. She made an array of quilts, placemats, wall hangings, sewing curtains, pillows and the like always have multiple projects going.
She was her husband's sole caregiver as he battled congestive heart failure and other ailments. It was during this time that she became aware that she had breast cancer, but kept it to herself. She didn't know who would take care of her ailing husband if she was to become ill. It wasn't until just following her birthday this year that the secret came out. After it was public she remarked, "I've lived a good life." She didn't regret her decision to keep it to herself.
Survived by daughter, Jan Chonzena and her husband Gary Chonzena of Ronald, Wash.; son Bob Nelson and his wife, Stephanie Nelson of Coeur d'Alene; and grandsons Jordan Nelson of Moscow and Jacob Nelson (Courtney Nelson) of Coeur d'Alene; only granddaughter Joy Nelson of Moscow; her great-granddaughter, Emery Nelson of Coeur d'Alene and her companion for the last five years, Griffy, a miniature schnauzer.
A memorial service for friends and family will be held at Lake City Community Church at 10 a.m. today, Oct. 20, 2011, with Pastor Rodney Wright officiating.
Memorial donations can be sent to Hospice of North Idaho in her name. The family sends special thanks to Hospice and Ivy Court staff for their professional services and exceptional care during her last weeks of life.