Obituaries
Obituary: Mary (Eloise) Hawthorne Nelson, 97, of Wallingford
Mary worked many years as a travel agent, was an avid reader and through the years was involved in numerous clubs and organizations.
WALLINGFORD, CT - (From Wallingford Funeral Home) Mary (Eloise) Hawthorne Nelson, 97, of Wallingford, beloved wife of the late William H Nelson (Maj, USAF Ret.), passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 10, 2022, at Masonicare.
Born in Mobile, AL on September 5, 1924, she was the beloved daughter of the late Henry B Hawthorne and Mary Eloise (Burdin, Hawthorne) Southall and the beloved stepdaughter of Valentine W Southall.
Mary was proud of her Alabama heritage, even though living there only eight years, always rooting for the ‘Crimson Tide’ football team.
She was educated in multiple elementary schools throughout the south, finally settling in Richmond, VA, graduating from Thomas Jefferson (‘TJ’) High School where she was a member of the Glee Club and met the love of her life William Nelson. After graduation, they were married and William entered the U.S. Army Air Corps as a cadet where he trained as a B-17 navigator.
He was recalled during the Korean War and flew 56 combat missions in a B-26 bomber. After Korea, Mary and Bill decided to make a career of the U.S. Air Force and her traveling days began. It started at Westover AFB in Massachusetts and ended in Goose Bay, Labrador, when Bill retired after 20 years’ service.
Mary served on the boards of various Officers’ Wives Clubs during this time. It was in Plattsburgh, NY, and Goose Bay, that local TV stations asked her to fill in some airtime by interviewing local people, doing crafts and even cooking.
But it was during their time stationed in Germany that Mary gained the experience traveling extensively throughout Europe that would serve her well as a travel agent in later years.
Too young to retire permanently, Bill got a job with the U.S. Treasury Department, Bureau of ATF&E. Mary worked as a travel agent in every city to which Bill was assigned.
The final assignment was in Carrollton, TX, where Mary got a job at EDS as an agent for executive travel, coordinating travel arrangements (including international) for all executives and their families.
She retired in 1989 and became an avid reader of fiction; mysteries, foreign intrigue and military special ops being her favorites. She sometimes read three a week.
Mary enjoyed visits with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Carrollton and in Connecticut on special occasions. She became a great-great-grandmother in July.
Mary is survived by her son, William H. Nelson Jr. and his wife, Catherine of Prospect, CT.
Granddaughter, Cheryl (Nelson) Schenck, husband Michael and their children: Sarah Nelson, her fiancée Kevin Rodriguez and daughter Maevry; Allison Nelson and significant other Nate Bonn; and Jacob Schenck. Granddaughter Jennifer Nelson and her children; Jessica Jaffer, Nathen Jaffer and Courtney Cintia. Granddaughter Katie Nelson, her partner William Northrop III, and their children; Emma Smith, Samantha Smith, Matthew Northrop and Nathan Northrop.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff of Pond Ridge South, Argonauta, MHC Ramage 3 and the Masonicare Hospice Team for their professional, kind and thoughtful care throughout Mary’s stay.
There will be no funeral service in Connecticut.
Interment will take place in Arlington National Cemetery where Mary will be buried with her late husband.
Arrangements are under the direction of The Wallingford Funeral Home.
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