Dora I. Nelson

11-11-27 to 11-13-12

Dora I. (nee Paxson) Nelson, 85, of Sarasota, Florida, died peacefully on November 13, with her son and daughter in attendance and supported by Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH) hospice staff. Loving wife and mother, Dora will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Born in Pennville, Indiana, and raised on the Paxson family farm, Dora graduated from Elkhart Business College, where she met future husband Jim, a WWII Navy veteran and the love of her life. They moved to Sarasota, Florida, from Nappanee, Indiana in 1978 and had a wonderful time in retirement, making their home there with great friends. They enjoyed golf, a pastime that Dora continued after Jim’s too soon passing in 1993. She had several holes-in-one. Dora was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and Bobby Jones Golf Club in Sarasota.

Survivors include son Jim Nelson of Sarasota; daughter Deb, son-in-law Phil Solbrig and grandson Brian, of Seattle, WA; family in Indiana includes “chosen” sister, Olive Paxson; brother, Kenneth (Dale) Paxson and wife, Sue; and sister-in-law, Ella Mae Kruse. Dora was preceded in death by beloved daughter, Sandy. We are grateful for the support of our family and her dear friends in Sarasota, particularly Nita, and the kindness and care of SMH and Heartland North staff these past several months.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, November 24, 4 p.m., at Klaehn, Fahl, Melton Funeral Home, Winchester Rd. Chapel, 6424 Winchester Road, Fort Wayne 46819 with calling one hour prior.

Memorial donations may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 4150 S. Shade Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34231, or to any organization of your choice. www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com