Mary Louise Nelson

passed away peacefully on Monday, March 7, 2011 at Island Health and Rehabilitation on Bainbridge Island, Washington. She was born on June 25, 1930 in Denver, Colorado to Joseph and Frances Pacheco. She was 80 years of age and a resident of Bainbridge Island since 1969. Mary worked for 25 years as a clinical assistant at the Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, WA. She was voted outstanding employee of the year in 1987. Mary loved to spend time with children and her family. She was an avid supporter of many charities, especially the Paralyzed Veterans of America. She had a love for music, knitting, flowers and animals and also enjoyed watching sports and true crime programs on television. Mary loved her home and had a real appreciation for the beautiful things in life. She is survived by her siblings; Edmund J. Pacheco of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Gloria Pache of Denver, Colorado. She also leaves behind her children Karen Suzanne Powell of Longview, Washington, Dana Leanne Nelson of Vancouver, WA and Stephen Patrick Nelson of Bainbridge Island, WA, also her grandchildren Sean and Eric Powell. The memorial service is pending and will be updated on the funeral home's website obituary page. Please sign the online Guest Book for the family.