Marilyn June Nelson (Merrie) passed away Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Steere House Nursing. She was 71 years young. Marilyn was born in Providence, the third daughter to the late Arthur E. Nelson and Marion A. (Berwick) Nelson.
As she grew older, Marilyn became known as Merrie or simply “Mer” to her friends and family. She reclaimed her given name when she began her teaching career.
Marilyn knew early on what her passion was – helping disabled persons in need; she lived this principle, both personally and professionally, for all her adult life.
Marilyn was an alumni of RI College, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Needs Education in 1971 and a Master’s Degree in Pre-School Handicapped in 1975. She later continued her education to obtain her Special Needs Administration Certificate.
She began her teaching career at Project Good Start Pre-School in Rehoboth, MA, and later transferred to the Dighton-Rehoboth School District as a Resource and DPT at Palmer River School. After receiving her Administration Certificate, she became the Pre-School Special Needs Administrator for the Newport County Regional Special Education System. When an illness befell her family, Marilyn joined Meeting Street Center as their Special Needs Administrator to be closer to home. It was there that Marilyn realized her desire to return to the classroom working directly with students. The Northern RI Collaborative was her next calling for several years, before finishing her career with the Pawtucket School Department at Tolman High School.
Outside of teaching, Marilyn enjoyed knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, jigsaw puzzles and cooking. She was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. Merrie enjoyed family and friend game and card nights, and most importantly, looked forward to her annual summer vacations in Kauai, Hawaii.
She was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Providence for many years where she served on the Church Council and Christian Education Committee. She later transferred to Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Warwick where she was a member of the Call Committee, and was a Sunday School teacher for several years.
Marilyn’s survivors include her sisters Joyce A. Nelson and Nancy J. Nelson (Brad Dias) of Rumford and Betty J. Nelson of East Providence. She is also survived by numerous “Berwick” cousins. She was pre-deceased by her cousin, and ward for many years, Joan L. Nelson.
Her visitation will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM in the PERRY-MCSTAY FUNERAL HOME, 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Rumford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Alzheimer’s Association RI Chapter, 245 Waterman Street #306, Providence, RI 02906.
