Obituary of Susan Jane Nelson

Susan Jane Nelson, 80, died April 25, 2012 in Hillsboro, Oregon of natural causes. At her request, a small family memorial will be held in Northern California. Sue was born September 4, 1931 in South Bend, Washington to Herbert and Virginia (Blakeslee) Nelson. Sue attended Burlington-Edison High School in Burlington, Washington and received a Bachelor’s degree in education from Western Washington State. After careers in teaching and homemaking, she went on to earn her Master’s degree from Iliff School of Theology in 1978. Sue was a pastor in the United Methodist Church, serving several churches in Idaho and Oregon, retiring in 1998. Much of her life was devoted to the church. Sue loved the outdoors, particularly camping, fishing, hiking and cross country skiing. Gardening was one of her joys. She was an avid reader, cat fancier and loving mother. As a single parent, as well as a female in a primarily male career field, Sue modeled strength, courage and wisdom. Her calm demeanor was a source of comfort to family and friends as well as those she pastored. Sue Nelson is survived by her son, Brian Caille; daughter, Sara Siemens; son-in-law, John Siemens; grandchildren, Ashley, Taylor and Joshua Siemens; brother-in-law, Tom Jenson. She was preceded in death by her son, Kevan Caille; sister, Mary Jenson; dear friend, Adele Hustis.