Obituary of Coraline Nelson

On Thursday December 20, 2012, my beloved mother, Coraline Evelyn Nelson, went home to her loving lord. She was preceded in heaven by her sisters and brother. I take solace in knowing that she is finally at peace and with her loving husband, Professor Carl Nelson. She is survived by her two children Jelinka Dubeau and Libuse Baker, six grandchildren, and four stepchildren. My mother, with great strength, handled life’s adversities with pride and dignity. She persevered when many would not have. She was born in British Guyana in 1927, migrated to the US in 1963, became a citizen in 1976, continued her education, and worked at UCSB for 17 years. I had become especially close with her this last year, and even after the Alzheimer’s began to deteriorate her mind and body. I was very grateful that she knew me even in her final hours, telling me how much she loved me. I would like to thank Villa Alamar, Senior Planning Services, Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, and Santa Barbara Hospice. Growing up as a devoted Catholic, I have strived to live by the word of Saint Francis which seems to offer me comfort during these times of mourning. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. A memorial mass will be held on Thursday February 7th at 11:00 A.M. at Mt. Carmel Church. In lieu of flowers, please send all donations to Santa Barbara’s Alzheimer’s Association. A reception held at Stella Mare’s Restaurant will follow the services. Arrangements made by McDermott-Crockett Mortuary in Santa Barbara, California.