In Memory of

Rita

Mae

Nelson

Obituary for Rita Mae Nelson

Rita Mae (Hack) Nelson, beloved wife and best friend of James Nelson for 60 years, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. Born on May 23, 1932 in Hartford, CT, Rita was the daughter of the late George and Evonne (Rondeau) Hack of South Windsor. Rita grew up on Main Street in South Windsor, went to Ellsworth High School and once married, lived in Ellington, CT. She was predeceased by her three brothers: George, Russell and Edward. Rita is survived by her sister, Doris and John Feigenbaum of East Hartford, and her brother Richard Hack, of South Windsor. Her pride and joy were her two sons, Greg Nelson of Higganum, and James & Teressa Nelson of Coventry. She also leaves her precious granddaughter, Shannon Nelson, of Higganum. Rita had 18 nieces and nephews who absolutely adored her. One special member of the family, Maggie McGoo, was her recent favorite four-legged friend, who loved her unconditionally. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother through the years, Rita also found time to work at The Hartford Fire Insurance Company, be a receptionist at The CT Air National Guard for nearly 10 years, as well as a crossing guard in Vernon. This was all after taking the Crown as Queen of Tobacco Harvest in 1952. Rita never missed your birthday or special event, loved writing personal notes and cards, almost always with a scratch ticket! She loved more than anything to be on the ocean. Rita and Jim spent countless days on their boat pulling lobster pots. Her winter pastime included never missing the UConn Women’s basketball games. She was the life of the party and never showed up to an event without her famous apple pie. She was the happiest when surrounded by her precious family and dear friends and will surely be missed by all. Relatives and friends may join the family on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 between 3pm-6pm at the Burke-Fortin Funeral Home, 76 prospect Street, Rockville, CT. A Mass Of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at 10am at St. Bernard Church, 25 St. bernard's Terrace, Vernon, CT. Burial will follow at Ellington Center Cemetery, Ellington, CT. For online condolences please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com.





In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Alzheimer’s CURE Foundation, PO Box 2543, Providence, RI 02906.