Obituary of Amy S. Nelson

Amy Jeanne Seevers Nelson passed away Thursday morning, June 13th, 2013 following a lengthy illness. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she was 80 years old. Amy lived in Santa Cruz for the past 19 years, and before then in Palo Alto and Saratoga where she and her husband David Carl Nelson raised their family. Amy earned her nursing degree from the University of Minnesota - where she met her husband in 1955. She later earned her Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University, and worked many years in Public Health for the County of Santa Clara. A talented athlete, Amy enjoyed sports. She excelled in tennis and golf, and was a member of both Valley Gardens and De La Veaga Women's Golf Clubs. Amy also liked to waterski and enjoyed many seasons of camping and boating with family and friends. She loved music, theater, and museums and her family cherishes fond memories of the special events they attended together. She was able to travel widely, and journeyed with her husband Dave over 6 continents. A member of First United Methodist of Santa Cruz, Amy served as chairman of the Social Concerns Committee, and also sang in the church choir. She and her husband helped to launch the Reconciliation Congregation Movement to promote a welcoming inclusiveness for everyone. Amy also volunteered for the Society of the Blind. Amy is survived by her husband of 58 years, Dave Nelson of Santa Cruz; her three daughters, Kris Nelson of Santa Cruz, Cindy Nelson of Palo Alto, and Kimberley Nelson of Berkeley; her son, David Nelson of Santa Cruz, and her five grandchildren, Kati, Juli, Madeline Amy, Elijah, and Kiala. Amy was deeply loved by her family and her kindness, enthusiasm, and passion for life continues to have a positive impact on all of their lives. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, (250 California Street, Santa Cruz) on July 20 beginning at 1 PM. Her former pastor, Sharon DelGado from the same church will preside. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Amy's name to the Resource Center for Nonviolence, Santa Cruz, CA.