Martha B. Nelson

Martha Belcher Baldwin Nelson-Moore of Island Heights, NJ was born on October 12, 1934. She passed away on October 21, 2022 peacefully in her home overlooking the Toms River on a glorious sunny day. She gracefully fought Lewy Body Dementia in her final years with courage and strength.

Marty grew up in Millington, NJ and spent summers in Island Heights where she worked at the Wanamaker Camp as the Waterfront Director. Marty graduated from Bernards High School in 1952 and then attended the University of Delaware where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1956. She earned a varsity letter in Cheerleading and was a member of the Bromley, VT ski club. Marty wed her first true love Gordon at All Saints Episcopal church on a snowy December day in 1957. Her first career was teaching Phys-Ed at Westfield Junior High School, followed by Point Pleasant Borough and finally Lakewood Prep. In 1965 Nelson Marine Basin was formed, fulfilling Gordon’s dream of owning a marina and her own dream of living in a cottage on the Toms River. She was a member of the Toms River Yacht Club and the Island Heights Yacht Club. She became a Life Member of IHYC nominated for her dedication for over 60 years of service, her past leadership as the Ladies Auxiliary President 1979-80 and over 30 years of racing sailboats with her husband in the BBYRA. She contributed to her community by starting the Island Heights Garden Club, teaching Sunday School at the Methodist Church and serving as a member of the Board of Education for several years. After her beloved husband’s passing from cancer, she started her second career as a marina business owner while finishing to raise her 3 children. Soon thereafter she met Bill with whom she travelled the world and eventually married. They wintered in Vero Beach, FL where she enjoyed an active retirement playing tennis, beach combing, volunteering at the Environmental Learning Center and spending precious time with her 6 grandchildren. Marty could always be found in her garden where she grew the biggest and best tomatoes and beautiful flowers for countless arrangements for weddings and yacht club events.

Martha is survived by her three children Gordon, Mark and Jenny, her grandchildren Connor, Katherine, Gordon III, Reid, Lily and Randy and in-laws Yvonne,Sandra, Beth, Susan and Todd. Martha was predeceased by both her husbands Gordon and William, her sister Anne, her brother D.G. and her parents Dalton and Helen. A special thanks to her dedicated caregiver Sheri and devoted feline companion Missy Minx.

A funeral service will be held at the Island Heights United Methodist Church Sunday, November 20th, 2022 at 1:30pm followed by an elegant gathering at Toms River Yacht Club to celebrate Marty’s wonderful full life (colorful attire optional).

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Memorial for Martha B.Nelson, 1804 Pleasant Ave, Somers Point, NJ 08244. A park bench will be dedicated in her memory at the Wanamaker Camp overlooking the Barnegat Bay in Island Heights. Donations will also help provide nutritious meals to local families in need to honor Marty’s kind and generous spirit. For online donations visit https://gofund.me/b78569aa.