Jo Anne Nelson

Jo Anne Nelson, 92, of Kalamazoo. Michigan and formerly of Buchanan, Michigan, died at her home on June 7, 2021. She was born on November 5, 1928 in Niles to the late Maurice A. and N. LaVerne (Hoffman) Dalrymple. In 1948 she married her high school sweetheart, Maurice A. Nelson, who preceded her in death in 2015. Surviving are their four children: Richard (Alice Rogan-Nelson) Nelson of Newport News, VA, Timothy (Nancy Johnson) Nelson of Traverse City, Pamela Nelson and Laurel Nelson of Kalamazoo; 3 grandchildren, Leland Nelson, Jacob Texel, and Andrew Texel; and beloved granddog Rusty. She was predeceased by her brother, Jean Dalrymple. Jo Anne's talents and interests were vast. She was salutatorian of her Buchanan High School class, attended Kalamazoo College for two years and then transferred to Western to study elementary education. Starting a family interrupted her formal education, but she was a life-long learner. Until her last days, she was an avid reader and crossword puzzle enthusiast. She was a gifted gardener, raised orchids for decades, and surrounded her home with gardens that bloomed from spring to fall. Fiber arts were a constant from childhood. Sewing, quilting, weaving, needlepoint, knitting; she produced beautiful pieces for family and friends. For years she was the secretary at First United Methodist Church in Buchanan and later, when Maurie entered private law practice, she managed the office until their retirement in 1998. They raised their family in Buchanan and after retirement moved to Kalamazoo to be near children and grandchildren. Jo Anne and Maurie shared a love for learning and creating, and if there was a book or an experienced person to consult, no challenge was out of reach. Among their joint accomplishments were the conversions of two step-vans into motorhomes used for family camping trips. They were early adopters of computers, and in the late 1970's she implemented a "SuperBrain" microcomputer at Maurie's law practice. Jo Anne was incredibly kind and generous and entirely devoted to her family. With Maurie, they created a home where all were welcome. She supported her children in all their activities, ferried them to countless lessons and events, rarely missed a performance or a game, and even welcomed rock bands in the basement and an engine rebuild in her laundry room. Never afraid to learn or try something new, she and Maurie encouraged their children to follow their passions and honor their principles. We listened, becoming an electrical engineer, a college president, a physician, and a computer systems analyst. Best of all, she loved us unconditionally and mothered us always. Cremation has taken place and a private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to your local library, nature center, or food bank. To view Jo Anne's personalized webpage please visit https://www.langelands.com