Judy Nelson

July 17, 1937 - March 6, 2018

Obituary

JUDY NELSON
July 17, 1937 – March 6, 2018

Judy lived in the greater Seattle area her entire life. Her life was marked by unwavering commitment to her faith, longstanding friendships, a career as a special education teacher and a lifetime of remarkable art. She was a sculptor and a painter. Judy particularly enjoyed painting, water colors and oils.

After graduating from the University of Washington with a teaching degree, she taught at Meany Jr. High for two years. Judy then left teaching and joined the Dominican Order, entering Rosary Heights Convent in Woodway for training to become a nun. While in the convent the order financed her master’s program at the University of Washington in Fine Arts. Judy’s thesis was sculpture depicting the seven sacraments.

Judy donated some her art to the order in appreciation. Nearing the time for Judy’s final vows, she withdrew from the convent. Judy then went on to teach troubled teens at Ruth Dykman/Highline High School. Judy was asked to teach beyond her retirement age and worked an additional two years, 37 in total.

This remarkable woman bore the limitations imposed by her illness with courage and good humor. Prior to suffering a stroke she enjoyed painting, photography, drawing, camping, reading, music, attending the symphony and many beloved cats over the course of her life, mostly Abyssinian. Although Judy’s physical limitations were great, she never complained. Judy was very loyal to her friends, once a friend of Judy, always a friend.

After suffering a stroke in September 2015, Judy moved to Foss Village, an assisted living facility, which was her final loving home. Judy was preceded in death by mother Constance Stevenson, father Donald Nelson, step-father Albert Stevenson, sister Joanne Shierk, nephew Keith Shierk and step-brother Robert Stevenson. She is survived by niece Laurie Shierk and husband Guy Brooks and brother-in-law Jerry Shierk.

Memorial service will be held on April 13th at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Lake Church, 8900 35th Ave NE, Seattle 98115.