Maria “Ria” Magdalena Nelson
Ria Nelson, age 84, passed away March 24, 2013 in Colorado Springs. She was born February 11, 1929 in Schweinfurt, Germany to Josef and Martha (Wolf) Hamburger.
Ria worked as a telephone operator during WW2. After meeting and marrying Lawrence R. Nelson on May 17, 1949 in Schweinfurt, Germany, their travels led them to Colorado Springs. She held several positions including a telephone specialist at NORAD and a security officer at SDC and Kaman Sciences Corp. Upon retirement she volunteered at Grace and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Women’s Thrift House. Ria enjoyed dancing, gardening, crafts, sewing, and playing on the computer. She also loved animals and her dogs, especially her dog, Foxy.
Ria is survived by her three children: Peter M. Nelson, Mark S. Nelson, and Barbara A. (Mark) Good. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Stacey Nelson, Celeste Nelson, Marcia Nelson, Stephanie Nelson, Dalena Good, Christopher (Sivan) Good, Kalynn Good; and three great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence R. Nelson; and her daughter, Christine B. Nelson.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 PM on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at the Shrine of Remembrance Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, March 29, 2013 at Grace and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 601 N. Tejon St. A luncheon reception will follow at the church. Private entombment will take place at the Shrine of Remembrance Chapel Mausoleum, Alcove of Truth.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ria Nelson’s memory to Grace and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church or to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.