Obituary of Barbara J. Nelson

Barbara J. Nelson, 89, of Haddam, CT, died Monday, September 25, 2017, at Shore Line Medical Center, Westbrook, CT. Born April 15, 1928, in Phoenix, AZ, she was the daughter of the late Orris and Katie (neé Rector) Enyeart. On June 18, 1950 she married the love of her life Paul Edward Nelson, who preceded her in death on August 11, 1996. She is survived by three children, Katie Hoffman-Fulda and her husband, Tom, of Rocky Hill, CT, Nancy Dolde and her husband, Jed, of East Hampton, CT, and John Nelson of Madison, NY; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Barbara was preceded in death by her three sisters, Marion, Susie, and Ruth. Barbara graduated with a bachelor's degree in education from Whittier College, Whittier, CA. She was a third grade teacher for many years. Barbara was an active member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in State College, PA. She had a deep love of music, and sang in the choir for many years, as well as played piano and flute. She loved gardening, being in the mountains, and she was an avid traveler. She also volunteered for the Centre Community Hospital. She loved animals, especially her two cats, Adam and Eve. Barbara loved her family and friends and cherished the time she spent with them. In her later years, she moved to Connecticut to be closer to her family. A memorial service will be held at 4pm on October 7, 2017 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 250 E. College Avenue, State College, PA. Burial will be private in Boalsburg Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the ASPCA in memory of Barbara Nelson. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.