Karen Nelson

Karen Nelson, 89, Fleming Island, FL, passed away on February 1st, 2024.  Karen was born to David and Florence Ruggles on July 3rd, 1934, in Sunbury, PA.  Karen was married for 66 years to Richard Ivor Nelson before his death in 2020.  They shared seven children, 17 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.  Karen worked as an insurance agent for New York Life Insurance Company for many years.  She raised her oldest children in Mt. Tabor, NJ and Kunkletown, PA, and her youngest children in Orlando, FL.

Karen sourced, prepared and preserved nutritious garden-to-table food throughout her entire adult life, setting an example that her family strive to follow. She taught her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to sew, cook, and bake. She was known for her homemade bread, cookies and pies.  She became an avid walker in her 80s and won her age group at local 5K races. She was also an avid reader, averaging at least one book per week. She loved the library.

Karen leaves behind a lasting legacy.  She wanted it to be known that she raised five strong women and two wonderful men.  Her influence and love have shaped a family characterized by strength, resilience, and love.  Her favorite place was wherever her family was.

Karen is survived by her brother, John Ruggles (Glenda), and her children, Kristi Nelson, John Nelson (Rita), Rebecca Nelson, Gretchen Nelson, Britta Fortson (Robert), and Jennifer Walker (Branden Langford).  Her grandchildren, Christopher Morris (Hollie), Daniel Morris (Elicia Cefalo-Cox), Carolyn Morris, Robert Morris (Kissondra), Anne Emery, Maire Emery, Keith Nelson (Rebecca), Michael Nelson (BillieJo), Andrew Nelson, Caitlin Nelson (Christopher Grutsch), Richard Schoch (Lee-Ann Denner), Ryan Schoch (Hanne), Patrick Schoch (Marwa), Madison Parr (David DuBois), Ethan Walker, Madeline Fortson, Phillip Fortson.  And great-children, Makenzie Tymon, Aislyn Morris, Evan Morris, Grant Morris, Ava Pietarinen, Gabriella Pietarinen, Hailey Sterner, Iver Morris, Cybelle Morris, Mikayla Nelson, Olivia Nelson, Emmalynn Nelson, Jaxson Grutsch, Noa Grutsch, Zoe Schoch, Nola Schoch, Henry Schoch, Augustus Schoch, Rowan Schoch and Everly Mack.  Karen is preceded in death by her son, Phillip Nelson. The family will host a memorial service and celebration of her life at The Lodge & Club Ponte Vedra Beach on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024, from 12 pm to 4 pm.  In accordance with her wishes, Karen’s ashes will be scattered at the beach, a place she cherished dearly throughout her life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations the World Central Kitchen at https://wck.org/ , or to River Garden Hebrew Home, 11401 Old Saint Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258.