Nancy Elaine Nelson passed away peacefully with her family and friends by her side on Oct. 18, 2018 in Cheney, Washington. She was born Nov. 26, 1943 in Seattle and was blessed to be adopted and raised by her loving parents, Melvin and Helen Hynes.
Being a Navy family, she moved several times throughout her life until settling in Skagit County. She attended Burlington Edison High School, graduating in 1961. Shortly thereafter, she married Bill Nelson. Both were young but determined to make a good life for their family. She shared a wonderful life with Bill, full of adventure, hard work, love and laughter. He always held a special place in her heart.
In early 1992 Nancy found love again when she met Glen Huleatt. Glen would become her lifelong companion and friend. Although an accident left her in a quadriplegic state, Glen stood by her side unselfishly giving of his life to make sure she was taken care of. Their faith in God and her will to live allowed her to spend another 26 years with us. She and Glen spent many hours watching grandchildren’s sports, attending family gatherings, attending church, going on drives to the water, playing with Bob and spending time with friends.
Nancy continued to work for the Lynden School District for 20-plus years as a paraeducator being an inspiration to so many children. Nancy loved to cook, garden, can, sew, camp, and spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She would glow with love when they visited or called!
Nancy is survived by Glen Huleatt and his family; daughters Shelley (Rick) Holt and Darlene (Rusty) Brooks; grandchildren Brady and Kellee Neal, Cara (Jon) Jeffreys, Quinn (Janae) Holt, Koby Holt, and Evan and Josh Brooks; and great-grandchildren Colton and Maddox Jeffreys.
Nancy’s wishes were to be cremated. There will be a graveside service in Hawthorne Funeral Home of Mount Vernon at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, followed by a 1 p.m. memorial service in Sonlight Church of Lynden.
Memorials may be made in Nancy’s name to any spinal cord injury program or to Spokane Hospice House.
Arrangements are entrusted to Cheney Funeral Chapel of Cheney. View the online guest book at cheneyfuneral.com.
