Audrey Nelson

Audrey Nan (Olson) Nelson passed away peacefully at the Clough Center in New London on Friday, July 27, 2012. Audrey was born in Pittsburgh, PA on Aug 1, 1928 to the marriage of Axel Everett Olson and Ebba Constance (Carlson) Olson.

Audrey was educated in Pittsburgh schools and went on to earn her bachelor of fine arts degree from Carnegie Melon University. On June 18, 1949 Audrey married Robert Charles Nelson, also of Pittsburgh. They later built a home and settled in the Forrest Hills section of the city.

Audrey and Robert had four children, Carl Nelson currently of Boulder CO, Lars Nelson of Goshen NH, Roy Nelson (deceased) previously of Newport NH, and Laury Nelson of Douglas MA.

Audrey owned and operated Nelson Crafts on Brook Road in Goshen from the early 1970’s until several years ago. She was prolific in her creation of art and handcrafts which included pottery, painting, sculpture, and weaving. She was best known for her creation of the “weed people” which sold abundantly at craft fairs and retail outlets. Audrey was gifted with a creative spirit and energy that she enjoyed throughout her life. In later years her craft store transitioned into a popular book store boasting 80,000 volumes. Audrey loved her home in Goshen and had a lifelong appreciation of art and nature.

Audrey leaves many friends in the art and book lover world. She was predeceased by Robert in 1997 and her son Roy in 2010. Surviving members of her family include her sons Carl and Lars, her daughter Laury, and her sister Grace Hetherington of Erie PA. Also grieving are grandchildren Gabriel, Christopher, Kirsten, Eric, and Christen, niece Lisa and nephew Patrick.

A celebration of life will be held at her former home site in Goshen in her beloved flower garden.

Donations in Audrey’s memory may be made to the William P. Clough Center (Activities fund) 273 County Rd New London NH 03257 where she received loving care in the final years of her life.