Linda L. Nelson

Linda Lea (Wall} Nelson of Bolton, CT, beloved wife of Clifford Nelson, passed away on November 17 due to complications from dementia. In her final days, the family was blessed with the opportunity for one last, wonderful visit where they shared words of love, held her hand, and kissed her goodbye. 

Lin was born in Tuscola, Illinois in 1939 to George and Martha Wall of Taylorville, IL. She carried a deep love of music throughout her life, which led her to the University of Illinois as a Music Education major. It was there, in the University of Illinois Concert Band, that she met the love of her life, Clifford Nelson. Their enduring partnership began when they married in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Immediately following their marriage and honeymoon in Colorado, Lin began teaching choir at a local middle school, supporting the family through the challenging six months Cliff spent serving in the army. 

Once the military commitment was completed, they embarked on their lives together, moving to Seattle, Washington where Cliff worked for Boeing. Over the course of their 63 wonderful years of marriage, the family moved frequently with each location a new challenge. They moved from Seattle to Cape Kennedy, Florida, to Rochester, New York (twice), to Londen, England, and Stanford, CT. With every move, Lin quickly and lovingly created a stable, nurturing home for their four children. 

Upon retirement, they settled for the final time in the Hartford, CT area and lived in their current home for 27 years. During this period, Lin continued her passion for education, earning a master’s degree in education and teaching school. Linda was a truly wonderful mother and grandmother. She focused her life on the well-being of her family, showing a deep and unwavering love that had a strong impact on their lives. 

She is survived by her devoted husband, Clifford Nelson; her children: daughter Dawn and her husband Greg and granddaughter Jane; daughter Dayleen, her husband Ken and grandchildren Emma and Connor: son Christopher and his partner Chris; and son Eric, his wife Mary, and the grandchildren Izzy and Abby. A celebration of Lin’s remarkable life will be held sometime this summer. 

Details regarding the date and location will be shared at a later time. There will be no visiting hours or service at this time. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Dementia Society of America. 

Donations can be made directly through the Dementia Society of America’s website or mailed by check to Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com