Obituary of Elizabeth Ida Nelson

Elizabeth “Betsy” Ida Nelson, of Pattersonville, NY, passed away April 16, 2024 at her family home, surrounded by loved ones.

Betsy was born on February 28, 1928 to parents Max and Edith Elder. She was raised on the family dairy farm with her older brothers James and Gordon, and where her grandmother E. Belle Elder, and her aunt Ella Gordon also resided. Betsy and family were active in the Scotch Church, Grange, and local farming community. After graduating from Woestina High School, she attended Oneonta State Teachers College where she met her future husband, Harvey E. Nelson, a WWII veteran. Upon graduating college, she taught in Milford NY for one year while Harvey finished school. The happy couple were married in 1950 and settled in the village of Pattersonville, eventually moving to the family farm. Betsy taught elementary school for several years. As her family grew, she became a fulltime homemaker and was active in the local community. She was a Girl Scout leader and Sunday School teacher. Betsy founded and ran the Christ’s Church of the Hills nursery school for a number of years. She was an avid baker and the family loved her chocolate chip cookies. Betsy and Harvey always had a large vegetable garden, and involved their children in 4H gardening. She loved animals and helped her children raise many dogs for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Betsy’s primary focus was always her family, including extended family who enjoyed visiting the farm. Later in life she enjoyed caring for her grandchildren, all of whom have fond memories of their time with her.

Betsy is survived by her 5 children, Bonnie (Jack) Melcher of Bridgewater, MA, David (Carol) Nelson of Rockledge, FL, James (Nicole) Nelson of Pattersonville, NY, Ruth (Bob) D’Ambra of Bedford, MA, and Tom (Terri) Nelson of Pattersonville; nine grandchildren, John (Kristen) Melcher, Carrie Melcher, Kyle (Sharla) Nelson, Abby (Justin) Carkner, Kate (Kevin) Brown, Anne (Aaron) White, Clare Nelson, and Ben and Matthew D’Ambra; three step-grandchildren, John and Jim Ferriter, and Emily D’Ambra; and eight great grandchildren, Lillian and Max Melcher, Maggie Nelson, Dakota and Myles Carkner, Ella and Emersyn Brown, and Levi White; and sister-in-law Constance (Gordon) Elder of New Smyrna Beach, FL. She was predeceased by her husband Harvey, and brothers James and Gordon.

Special thanks to caregivers Connie, Julie, Kim, and Carly who, along with the family, helped make it possible for Betsy to remain at home.

Services will be announced at a later date and will be held at Christ’s Church of the Hills, 4809 Mariaville Road, Schenectady NY, 12306. Burial will follow at Van Vechten Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Betsy’s name to Christ’s Church of the Hills.

Please sign Betsy’s online guestbook at www.brbsfuneral.com.