Florence Nelson

Florence Nelson Greatly Loved At 105 years old, Pearl Florence Estella Bloomquist Nelson, was an extraordinary spirit, born April 30, 1904 in Bowbells, North Dakota who, after spending the day cheerfully interacting with family, passed away peacefully February 22, 2010 surrounded by loved ones. Her parents, Andrew and Anna Bloomquist, who emigrated from Sweden, together raised 11 children. At the age of 14, Florence worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway as a cook for a crew of over 20 men and at age 16 ran the cook car. A great woman, her wisdom spanned 3 centuries. She owned a general store in Niobe, North Dakota. Although her first marriage to Victor Nelson in 1923 did not last, the union gifted Florence with a daughter, Beulah. In 1939, she married Aden Nelson a widower with children Floyd, Dwaine, Rodney, Marilynn and Gerald which completed a blended family of 8. Florence and Aden lived on their farm near Bowbells, North Dakota until his death in 1979 though she remained on the farm until the mid 1980`s. She then lived in Mesa, Arizona through the early 1990's when she moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to be near Floyd, her son, and Dee Nelson, their family of seven children and grandchildren. A serene woman, Florence loved to laugh as did Aden. Fond memories on the farm include the giant loom where she made rugs, her lovely oil paintings, her knitting and crocheting and her Swedish pancakes with choke cherry syrup and cream, amazing lefse and coffee. Lots of coffee. Florence was both accepting and tolerant of people's differences. Her secret for longevity is this: a positive attitude and the ability to forgive. Her unwavering Christian faith was ever-present and family was her most prized possession. She spoke fondly of her relatives who spanned the globe from Canada to Hawaii to the east coast. Florence has now joined many other loved ones who have passed on before her. She is survived by her sons: Floyd (Dee) and Gerald; 27 grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and many relatives who adore her. As a family we express our profound gratitude to her extraordinary nurse of many years, Barbara Richardson, RN, the staff at Good Shepherd Hospice, the caring CNA's and staff at St. Joseph's Villa. A memorial service for Florence will be held Monday, March 1, 2010, 4:00 p.m. at the Holladay Baptist Church, 2780 East 3900 South, Holladay, UT 84124. She will be laid to rest next to her daughter, Beulah at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. Online condolences may be sent to mcdougalfuneralhomes.com.