Geraldine "Geri" Frances Nelson

Geraldine (Geri) Frances Nelson, a resident of Glen Ellyn and Lisle, was born on May 4, 1927, and passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025. She was the daughter of immigrant parents, Stanley and Amelia Bukovsky and a devoted wife to Donald Arnold Nelson. A dedicated mother of Richard Nelson, daughter-in-law Yoriko, Barbara Nelson (Stevenson), son-in-law Paul Stevenson, Kenneth Nelson, daughter in-law Betsie Frank, and Holly Nelson (CJ Wolf). Geri was a proud grandmother of Emma Stevenson and her partner Andy Townsend. A staunch supporter of her family and their sports activities seldom did Geri miss a gymnastic or swim meet. She seamlessly found time for her family, nursing career, and friends.

Her death was proceeded by her cherished sisters Josephine Hassett and Georgia Kaczmarek. She adored being an aunt to her nieces Karen, Margie, Diane, Joanne, Judy, and nephew John as well as their children. In addition to her close-knit family, Geri demonstrated love and compassion for the dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and fish that she rescued. Likewise, she generously donated her time volunteering at Willowbrook Wildlife Center. As a member of the Red Hats Society, gardening, and book clubs, Geri had an active life. Fittingly, she worked her way through college to graduate from Michael Reese Nursing School. Her lengthy career of kindly caring for others concluded at the age of seventy-four.

Some of her other passions included tap dancing with Gregory Hines, roller skating, gardening, cake decorating, building doll house furniture, and sewing. She took intense pleasure in making creative costumes for Halloween coupled with decorating her home for each holiday. 

A celebration of her vibrant life will be on May 9, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Leonard Memorial Funeral & Cremation, 565 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL. A 2:30 PM burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 3401 West 87th Street, Evergreen Park, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Willowbrook Wildlife Center at https://www.villageofbloomingdale.org/434/Willowbrook-Wildlife-Center or by mail Willowbrook Wildlife Center c/o Memorial Donation of behalf of Geraldine Nelson, 201 S. Bloomingdale Road, Bloomingdale, IL 60108 is appreciated.

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