Mary Elizabeth Nelson (née Long) was born Feb. 22, 1934 in Sauk Rapids, Minn. to Norman Elwin Long and Charlotte Viola Harriet Long. She left this world peacefully on Nov. 13, 2021. 

Her early years were spent in Minneapolis with a loving family including younger siblings Nancy Cox and Robert Long. Her life included stops in Oklahoma, Colorado, Louisiana, and finally Austin, Texas, where she spent her last months with her daughter, Jeanne.

She married Phillip Edward Nelson in 1956 and they raised two children, daughter, Jeanne Louise Nelson (husband Patrick Murphy Ray); and son, Kent Edward Nelson (wife Megan Nelson). 

Mary had two grandchildren, Caleb Edward Ray (wife Valerie Ruth Nelson-Ray) and Lena Elizabeth Ray. Mary also had one great-granddaughter, Sigrid Mae Nelson-Ray.

Mary was a generous soul, always willing to help others, who loved long walks and reading the local paper. She was passionate about women’s health, donated regularly to Planned Parenthood, and spent many years as a volunteer and tutor for The Literacy Council of Southwest Louisiana.

Mary is survived by her siblings, Nancy and Robert; her children, Jeanne and Kent; her grandchildren, Caleb, Lena, and (in-law) Valerie; and her great-granddaughter, Sigrid. 

She was preceded in death by parents; her husband, Phillip; and her children’s spouses, Patrick and Megan, whom she treated as her family.

In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial tributes to Planned Parenthood (1-855-789-7723), The Literacy Council (337-494-7000).