Thelma Geerken Nelson entered into eternal life on Thursday, August 3, 2017 at her home in River Ridge.  She was born August 7, 1922 at New Hope Plantation, McCall, LA to William G. Geerken and Edna Treuil Geerken. Beloved wife for 59 years of the late George E. Nelson, Sr.  She is preceded in death by three of her children; Peggy A. Nelson, George E. (Buddy) Nelson, and Gerard E. (Jerry) Nelson, Sr. and her daughter-in-law Estelle G. (Sissy) Nelson. In addition, her brothers George A. Geerken and Roy A. Geerken preceded her in death; along with numerous beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law.
She is survived by her son Chris E. Nelson (Cynthia Harmeyer), her daughter Jan Nelson Key, her devoted son-in-law Robert "Mike" Key, daughter-in-law Judith W. Nelson, her sister Vera G. Lyons and sister-in-law Miriam B. Geerken, grandchildren William H. Nelson (Valerie Browning), Joshua A. Nelson, Leia N. Tanner (Thomas), Gregory E. Nelson (Kayla), Lawson M. Key (Whitney Soenksen), Benjamin Key (Abby Vincent), Chrissy N. Murray (Matthew) and Gerard E. Nelson, Jr.; 7 great-grandchildren Jackson Capone-Nelson, Maxwell Capone-Nelson, Cullen Capone-Nelson, Thomas Tanner, Jr., Gabriell Tanner, Paisley Nelson and Tate Nelson along with a host of loving nieces and nephews. She also leaves her wonderful caregiver, Jennifer Sumrall, to mourn her loss.
Thelma was educated in New Orleans and was a very proud alumna of St. Stephen's High School Class of 1939.  She was a resident of River Ridge (Little Farms) since 1953. A devote Roman Catholic she was the recipient of the Catholic Charity Medal and the St. Louis Medallion. Until her illness made it too difficult to attend Mass, she was an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Kenner LA.  Thelma loved her faith and her family. The love she had for our Lord shown through in every kindness and caring act in her life.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 1908 Short St., Kenner on Monday, August 7, 2017 at Noon. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 11:30 AM.  Interment will be at St. Vincent Cemetery, 1950 Soniat St, New Orleans. JACOB SCHOEN & SON FUNERAL HOME in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the OLPH Food Pantry, 500 Minor Street, Kenner, LA 70062 or to Notre Dame Hospice (online at http://notredamehospice-no.org/donate/). Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenfh.com

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