Nina G. Nelson

Nina G. Nelson, 90, of Tecumseh, passed away on Monday, December 13, 2021 at Brewster Place in Topeka. She was born August 27, 1931 in Tecumseh at the family farm, the first of four daughters born to Margaret Jane Anno Nelson and Walter Nels Nelson. She was a long-time educator and woman of strong convictions.

Nina was proud to be a farmers' daughter throughout her life. She could milk a cow, drive a tractor, pluck a chicken and man-handle a bale of hay. None of the four Nelson sisters thought it unusual when their father painted "Walt Nelson & Daughters" in bold letters on the family hay wagons. They grew up knowing that daughters deserve a place in the world equal to sons.

Nina went to Decker School and Highland Park High School. Her love of reading and the shining example set by her beloved aunt, Ethel Mae Nelson, also an educator, led her to become a teacher. Since she skipped a grade at Decker, she was always one year ahead. She entered Kansas State College of Agriculture and Applied Science, now known as Kansas State University, at age 17, graduating in 1952. She often said that her years living with other co-eds in the college residence in the old Memorial Stadium were among the happiest of her life. In 1961, she received her Master's Degree from Kansas State Teachers College now known as Emporia State University.

As a high school teacher, Nina's primary subject was English. She also taught social studies, drama and American history in Valley Falls, Claflin, Dorrance, Ulysses, Hill City and Chapman. In the final 17 years of her career, she headed the Learning Skills Center and taught freshman composition at Cloud County Community College, Concordia. Her work ethic and dedication to her students were legendary. "Miss Nelson" was also known as a sharp dresser who loved beautiful clothes and, above all, shoes.

In her retirement, she lived on her own at the family farm where each day was a celebration of her independence. A world-class riding mower operator, she kept the expansive grounds in top shape until she was 84. Every room in the farmhouse had either a radio or TV so she could listen to multiple sports games simultaneously. Her March Madness predictions were eerily accurate. A special pleasure was going to dances at the Watson Grange.

A long-standing member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Gamma Kappa Chapter, she was grateful for the many friendships she made and for DKG's extra efforts to include her in its activities up until her death. Profound gratitude goes to staff at the Brewster Place Health Center for their devoted care since 2016, to Elara Caring for their compassion and expertise and to staff at CoreFirst Bank & Trust for their excellent help and guidance.

She is survived by her sister, Gracie Nelson (Andre Quenneville) of Toronto, Canada, and by her cousin Alice (England Cnossen) Landers and cousin-in-law, Jeffrey Landers, both of Topeka. Nina loved being an honorary grandmother to Alice's children, Leslie Cnossen McGrath, New York City, and Daniel Cnossen, Natick, MA. The Cnossen and Landers families were a pillar of support and comfort in her life. Two sisters, Norma Jean Nelson Milton and Mary Del Nelson, died in 2012 and 1969, respectively.

In keeping with her wishes, she will be cremated. Inurnment at Bethel Cemetery, Tecumseh, and a celebration of her remarkable life will be held later. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Rescue Mission, 600 N Kansas Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66608.

Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. is assisting the family with arrangements.

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