Mary Katherine Nelson

Visitation will be 1-2 p.m. Saturday, August 13, 2016, at Memorial Funeral Home with A Celebration of Life to follow at 2 p.m.

Mary was born in Columbia to Clara Virginia and Estell Strawn. She attended Hickman High School and later obtained her bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri. Mary worked for the University for many years before attending nursing school and obtaining her L.P.N. license. She furthered her nursing career by completing the Registered Nurse program at Central Methodist College. Mary provided exceptional and loving care to many people during her long and varied nursing career. Mary dedicated much of her personal time to ensuring that her elderly mother was well cared for.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her daughter, April Stariwat and her husband Dan, grandchildren Timothy and Katarina Stariwat, and great-grandchildren Brielle and Liam Stariwat. Mary is also survived by her brother, Steve Strawn and his children Benjamin, Jesse and Samm, and her sister Shirley and husband Tom Kowalewski and their children Aleksy, Helena, Ginny, and great nephew Casper Palmer. Mary also leaves behind her close friends Byron Smith and Pam Lessley as well as numerous other friends and acquaintances who brightened her life. Mary had an independent, but loving soul and she will be missed by many.