Marie Jeannette Nelson

April 4, 1929  –  April 23, 2021

Marie Jeannette Nelson, beloved family matriarch, passed away in the company of her family on Friday April 23, 2021 at Evergreen Hospice Center. She was 92 years old.

Wife to her first husband, the late Donald Smith, and her second Husband, the late Raymond Nelson. She is survived by her sister Patricia; her daughter Diane; her two grandsons; Tyler and Victor, two nieces and two nephews.

Marie was born on April 4, 1929 to William Lenney and Frances Lenney (Barry). She was born and raised in Massachusetts, earned her nursing degree, married, and had her only child before relocating to Seattle, WA. Soon after she remarried. With her extensive background in medicine, she started her career as Executive Secretary to the President of the Mason Clinic in Seattle. Her most rewarding accomplishment was making all the arrangements and attending the meetings at the Board Member retreats around the Pacific Northwest.

In addition to her demanding career, she was an active member of Executive Women International and was involved in chairing many different committees over several years.

Marie, a member of the mountaineers, lived an adventurous life and enjoyed many outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, clamming, bird hunting and cross-country skiing. She had many friends with whom she loved to travel and play bridge.

Her passion was her home in Woodway, where for fifty years she took great pride in decorating, cooking, entertaining and gardening. With her talent for gardening, she volunteered for the Edmonds Garden Tour over several years, and her garden was showcased on the tour one year.

Above all else, it was her family that gave endless pride and joy. She was an involved and devoted grandmother for thirty-five years. During her final weeks she was happiest when surrounded by her daughter and grandsons.

Her beautiful smile, quick wit, independence, resilience, creativity, generous and loving spirit will be missed by those who knew and loved her.

A celebration of life will be planned in honor of Marie at her daughter’s residence this summer.