Mary was born November 15, 1920 on her parents homestead in Dapp Alberta, she died in Duncan BC on August 25, 2016 in the presence of her family. Mary was the daughter of Edna and Henry Glebe and the eldest of their five children. Growing up on the farm she was actively involved in the rural life and helping to raise her siblings. Mom was a keen student and was naturally drawn to teaching. She attended Alberta Normal School in Edmonton and at 19 years began teaching all grades in a one room schoolhouse. Mom married Foster Nelson on December 23, 1942 and together they developed a homestead at Jarvie Alberta complete with five children. In 1957, through Mom’s foresight and planning, the family moved to Shawnigan Lake and later Mill Bay. Mom continued to teach, raise a bountiful and beautiful garden and nurture a boisterous bunch of boys and a girl. Mom finished her teaching career at Cliffside Preparatory School at Shawnigan Lake then worked at Mill Bay Post Offce before launching into an active retirement. Mom loved to travel and she thoroughly explored Vancouver Island, the American West Coast and Canada. Mom’s deeply generous and loving nature endeared her forever to her five children, her nine grandchildren and her many great-grandchildren. Now she has left us to grieve as she joins Foster who predeceased her in 1989. Mom will be lovingly remembered by Ken (Carol), Dave (Carmel), Ed (Joanne), Judy (Howard), Rick (Carrie) and all her grand and great-grand children. There will be a celebration of life at Mill Bay Community Hall on September 10 between 1 and 5 pm. The family extends our gratitude to the staff of Cowichan District Hospital for their kindness and sensitivity in caring for Mom during her last hours.