Louise Virginia Nelson, 93, of Winchester VA, passed peacefully surrounded by her family, on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at her home where she was born and raised.

Louise was born in 1931 in Winchester, VA the daughter of the late Edna (Boyce) DeHaven and granddaughter of Daniel and Effie DeHaven who raised her. She studied at LFCC and earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Shenandoah University graduating Magna Cum Laude. Louise worked as an office manager in the medical field. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Old Fredericktown Garden Club, Shenandoah University Alumni, and Winchester/Frederick County Republican Women. She believed strongly in the election process as well as the right to vote and faithfully worked the polls in Frederick County well into her eighties. Louise enjoyed playing bridge, gardening, dancing, singing, and playing tennis. She loved to travel and took many exciting trips but especially loved spending time with her daughter in Florida.

She married Gordon Rhodes Nelson, Sr. on November 27, 1952, and he preceded her in death on April 21, 2015. Louise is survived by her daughters; Anita Jenkins (Nathan), Susan McCulloch (John), Stephanie Nelson; grandchildren, Alison D’Alessandro (Carmine), Natalie Gerometta (Justin), Jason Jutila (Claudia), Kristin Jutila, Jack McCulloch (Nikki), Josh McCulloch (Brooke), Jessie Full (Tom), Jessica Creamer (Ray), JaMichael Creamer; great grandchildren, Carter Gerometta, Isabella, Nicholas, and Nate D’Alessandro, Jason, John, and Justin Jutila, Jackson and Charley McCulloch, Emma, Molly, and Ruby McCulloch, Margo and Stella Full, Liam, Mia, and Levi Reck, and Hayden Fleetwood; sisters, Helen Corbin, Ann Shiflett, Carolyn Helmick, Jean DeHaven and her brother, Allen DeHaven. In addition to her mother and husband, Louise is preceded in death by her son, Gordon Rhodes Nelson, Jr., sister, Linda Wiley and brothers Joe and Sonny DeHaven.

The family would like to thank the exceptional staff from Lavender Hills, The Retreat, and Blue Ridge Care for their loving care of our mother.

A private graveside service will be held at Chestnut Grove Cemetery. Officiating will be Reverend Amanda Maguire Thomas. A Celebration of Life service will be held for Louise at the First Presbyterian Church Boyd Chapel on July 24th at 2:00 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Louise to Blue Ridge Care, 333 W. Cork St., Suite 405, Winchester, VA 22601 or a non-profit organization of the donor’s choice.