Cecelia Nelson

Cecelia Kashuba Nelson, 88, passed away November 5, 2011 in Havelock, NC. She was born in Bethany, New York, December 12, 1922. Mrs. Nelson was a World War II veteran, serving her country honorably on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps from November 15, 1943 through December 22, 1945. She was a graduate of Akron, NY High School and USMC Cook and Bakers School, Infantry Battalion, MCB Camp Lejeune NC. She also served in First Separation Company, MCB San Diego CA. Her medals and awards include WWII Victory, WWII American Campaign, and USMC Good Conduct medals.

After her discharge, she embraced life as a Marine Corps spouse, raising six children through many military moves, until the final one in 1964 to MCAS Cherry Point, where the family settled permanently in Havelock. She was a Girl Scout leader and enjoyed many years of family gatherings and events, activities with her grandchildren, gardening, reading and bingo. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Irene Ellen Robertson, her parents, Peter and Mary May Marble Kashuba and 11 brothers and sisters, Peter, Paul, Mary, Raymond, Lillian, Lawrence, Edward, Eva, Rose, Irene and Frances.

Mrs. Nelson is survived by her husband of 65 years GySgt William P. Nelson, USMC (ret), of Havelock, NC; her son, Col William P. Nelson, USAF (ret), and his wife Janice of Springfield, VA; four daughters, Margaret Frances Young of Virginia Beach, VA; Mary Lee Shea and husband Mike of Orefield, PA; Lilli Anne Garner and husband Melvin, Cecile Marie Nelson and husband Stan Vaughn, all of Newport, NC; one sister, Margaret Hadad and husband Benjamin of Houston, TX; 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Friday, November 11, 2011 at Cotten Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at Greenleaf Memorial Park, New Bern, NC.