Deborah Ann Nelson

We are sad to announce the passing of Deborah Ann (Drinkwine) Nelson, born on October 15, 1935, who died peacefully in the hospital with family by her side on December 19, 2022 at the age of 87. She was dearly loved by family and friends and will be much missed. Preceding her in death were her parents, Thomas W. Drinkwine and Frances M. (Vasaly) Drinkwine, of Bayport, MN.

Deborah, a long-standing St. Paul, MN resident, is survived by her husband of 64 years, Owen Nelson, children Geoffrey (Bonnie) Nelson, Meredith (Bruce) Bernhardt, and Craig (Janet) Nelson, and grandchildren Kenneth, Jared, Jessica (John), Colin, Matthew, Elizabeth, Charis, and David. Deborah was a faithful wife, wonderful mother, and very pleased and adoring grandmother.

Deborah graduated from Stillwater High School in 1953 and attended the University of Minnesota, where she earned a B.A. in International Relations and met her future husband and partner of 64 years, Owen, at an April Fool’s Day mixer. She graduated magna cum laude in 1957 and she and Owen married in April of the following year. She became a mother in 1959, giving birth to oldest son Geoffrey in May. Daughter Meredith was born in 1962, and son Craig followed in 1966. She was devoted to family and instilled in her children the importance of family gatherings and daily meals eaten together. She gave them freedom to explore their neighborhood, the Twin Cities, their interests and beyond, always ensuring they had a safe and supportive home to return to no matter where life took them.

She was also a devoted dog lover, and enjoyed hanging out in the house with our family dog, Morgan LaFaye, who adored her in return.

Deborah was an avid reader, her favorite genres being historical fiction and mystery, including spy thrillers. She always had a book (or two or three) that she was currently reading and family members could count on receiving at least one book as a gift from her for every birthday and Christmas. She had a wonderful sense of humor, laughed often, and appreciated the ridiculousness or irony in many situations.

She took a keen interest in history and particularly enjoyed spending time in museums and historical locations, taking time to browse every exhibit and read every plaque. She traveled to many diverse places, including a 2-3 month tour of Europe while in college, and trips to Japan, Kenya, Egypt, Vancouver (Canada), Hawaii, and both coasts of the United States during her life.

Deborah followed in her mother’s footsteps and was a long-time member of the League of Women Voters of St. Paul, from 1969-2020. She had many roles within the organization during the years she was active, including board member, Unit coordinator, Vice President, editor of the Voter, and part-time office manager of the League office. She was awarded the Faye Lyksett Award in 1982 for demonstrating outstanding service to the League and the community.

While her children were young, Deborah volunteered in the office at Saint Pascal Baylon Catholic Church in St. Paul during their Saturday morning CCD classes. She also volunteered at St. Paul Open School (est. in 1971 and now known as Open World Learning Community), which first Craig and then Meredith attended from grade school through high school graduation. She was a loyal advocate of public schools and open or alternate styles of learning.

When her first grandchild, Ken, joined the family, Deborah could not have been more thrilled to become a grandmother and she welcomed each new grandchild with overflowing love and excitement. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, reading books to them, watching them play and learn, and joyfully sharing vicariously in each one’s newest achievement or adventure.

Deborah will be sadly missed by all who knew her, and we will come together to honor her memory at the 10:30 AM service on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Saint Pascal Baylon Catholic Church.

We welcome you to join us and share your stories, photos, and remembrances here on this website.

Donations can be made in Deborah’s name to The Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, Reading Is Fundamental, or Meals On Wheels, all organizations she was passionate about, in place of sending flowers.