MAVIS NELSON

MAVIS NELSON Mavis Nelson, 85, Cooperstown, ND died Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at Eventide Nursing Home in Fargo, ND. Mavis Irene Vasfaret was born June 7, 1931 in Cooperstown, ND, the daughter of Martin and Bernice (Larson) Vasfaret. Mavis grew up on a farm near Cooperstown and had fond memories of attending Bolkan country school, playing ball, singing and playing the piano at Ness Church and riding horse. She graduated from Cooperstown High School in 1949 and attended Valley City Teachers College where she received her teaching certificate. She taught at rural schools in the Cooperstown and Hannaford area. Mavis married Royce Nelson on January 3, 1957 in Fargo, ND. They later moved to a farm near Hannaford, ND where she was a loving wife and mom to John, Ron, Jim and Gina. In 1973 the family moved to Cooperstown. Royce died July 11, 1982. Mavis continued to make her home in Cooperstown and was the manager of Town Manor Apartment for 37 years. She also worked in the dietary department at the Griggs County Hospital for over 15 years, where she had the opportunity to work with and care for wonderful people. Mavis lived in Apt. #10 with the big patio window and enjoyed watching kids come and go from school activities and the swimming pool. She dearly loved supporting her children and grandchildren with their accomplishments and milestones, attending church and school programs and sporting events. She enjoyed sewing, playing piano, yard work, visiting and drinking coffee with friends and family. Mavis enjoyed sharing and reminiscing about her favorite pictures, past and present and was well known for her Christmas caramels. In recent years, Mavis received kindness and wonderful care from friends and staff at Park Place Assisted Living and Griggs County Care Center. Most recently Mavis was cared for by Eventide and Hospice Services in Fargo. Mavis is survived by sons; Ron (Bette) Nelson, Lakota, ND, Jim (Diane) Nelson, West Fargo, ND; daughter, Gina (Jesse) Leikas, Sioux Falls, SD, daughter-in-law, Carolyn Hochhalter, Barnesville, MN; 11 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; brother, Vernon Vasfaret, Hammond, WI; sister, Blanche Moore, Hope, ND; sister-in-law, Shirley Vasfaret, Cooperstown, ND and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Bernice; husband, Royce; son, John; brothers, Milo and Harold (Bunty); and sister, Ione. Visitation will be Sunday, August 28, 2016 from 5:00 till 7:00 in the Quam-Plaisted-Cushman Funeral Home in Cooperstown, ND and one hour before services in the Church. A Prayer Service will be Sunday at 7:00 in the Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Monday, August 29, 2016 at 11:00 am in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cooperstown, ND. Interment will be in the Union Cemetery, rural Hannaford, ND, Monday at 1:15.