Dolores A. Nelson
FAYETTEVILLE — Dolores A. Nelson, a beacon of love and resilience, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2024, at the age of 91, surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 19, 1933, to the late Howard and Evelyn (Magnussen) Van Jones, Dolores’s life was a testament to her unwavering spirit and the joy she brought to those around her.
Dolores was the cherished wife of the late Robert Nelson, who she adored until his untimely passing on April 1, 1987. Together, they navigated the life of a Navy family with grace and fortitude. Dolores’s role as a Navy wife entailed creating a nurturing and dynamic home for her four beloved children, Robert L. Nelson II (Donna), Donna Scrivener, Laura Ricardo (Peter), and Sandra Nelson, across various locales, including Japan. Her ability to instill a love for culture and knowledge in her children was unparalleled.
After settling in Burnt Hills, Dolores became a treasured member of her community, forming lasting friendships and engaging in work that mattered to her. She served with dedication as a certified tumor registrar at Saratoga Hospital and continued to share her expertise as a consultant, even in distant cities like San Diego and Monterey, California.
Despite the sorrow of losing her husband, Dolores continued to honor his memory, cherishing the life they shared while embracing new adventures and friendships. Her zest for life was infectious; she traveled the globe, from riding elephants to white water rafting on her 80th birthday. Dolores was the epitome of a social butterfly, often being the life of the party and effortlessly making new acquaintances.
Art and creativity were integral to Dolores’s life. She crafted beautiful dolls in Japan, was an active member of a craft painting club, and enjoyed the camaraderie of the Red Hat Society. Her competitive spirit shone through in her love for bridge, Mahjong, and Scrabble, where she was known to be unbeatable.
Music and dance were Dolores’s passions, and she reveled in the sounds of Frank Sinatra and big band music. Her encounters with Sinatra and Dean Martin were among her cherished memories, as was her love for dancing and singing.
Dolores’s compassionate heart led her to volunteer at the USO in Brooklyn during the Korean War, where she met her future husband. Her commitment to service continued in Japan, where she comforted Vietnam War servicemen as a Grey Lady, and later as a Hospice volunteer, providing solace to the terminally ill.
Above all, Dolores was an extraordinary mother and grandmother. She is survived by her children; Robert L. Nelson II (Donna), Donna Scrivener, Laura Ricardo (Peter), and Sandra Nelson grandchildren Robert Nelson III (Claudia), Rachel Nelson (Adam Rigg), Patrick Scrivener, Daniel Scrivener, Nelson Ricardo, and Neva Ricardo, and sisters Barbara Drollinger and Gina Ferranti. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, wisdom, and humor. Dolores was a pillar of support to her family, offering a warm hug and the reassurance that everything would be alright, no matter the circumstance.
Dolores faced life’s challenges with courage, inspiring all who knew her with her kindness and gentleness. A woman of deep faith, she departed this world with the confidence of being welcomed into eternal love by Heaven and those who preceded her in passing.
Calling hours for Dolores will be held today, Friday, August 9, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville. A funeral service will follow at 12 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Glenville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dolores’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences www.glenvillefuneralhome.com