Jack & Jan D...
We met Linda and Ron on our first Rick Steve’s trip in 2006. Both couples headed to the back of the tour bus only to learn they were from Michigan and our roots in Wisconsin.
Since that beginning, we went on 8 tours together, visited each other’s homes and went on a river cruise.
Linda never wasted a minute of time but was relaxed and peaceful while doing what she loved. On the tour buses she was journalling, looking at tour books, but best if all, did her beautiful hand work. I picture her hands and beautiful fingers as she used the needle with those tiny stitches.
When at our destinations she always let others lead and never let on if she didn’t agree with decisions made. She was always kind, loving and had a memorable laugh that came right from her heart.
Even though she let others lead without complaining she was adventurous and definitely decided to do what others were shy about. She had the Rick Steve’s tour books on her Kindle, “tech savvy” so she knew exactly what we needed to know when we would stand on a corner in another country wondering what we should do next. She was our tour go-to reference source. We were always amazed she could read her Kindle in bright sunlight.
After having private conversations with her, I learned her love for others was exemplified in all her volunteering during her life. Of course, her love for Ron and and their son was shown in every heartbeat she had. Linda and Ron’s friendship to us was a special gift which we will always cherish.
Pete and Pat S...
Linda had many friends who were each able to share a part of her life. For us, it was a small segment in 2019. It was so much fun to be with her for a couple of weeks on a European river cruise. We laughed a lot, played games and shared a lot of meals. Linda was so unpretentious and it was easy to really enjoy being around her. We are grateful for those memories.
Pat S...
I remember Linda being an advocate for children during her career in education. She took her job seriously and was rewarded for her efforts!
Charlaine E...
How sad that news made me and how much I want to say what a great person she was. I didn't know her well, but any quilter is a life-long friend, even if we only see or hear from each other every ten years or so.
I am sure there is a special place in heaven for quilters and someday we will see Linda there, a needle in her hand and a stack of fat quarters by her side.
I have had family members who suffered from the same rapid ALS disease as Linda had and can only be thankful that she had loving people around all through that sad time. My sympathies and condolences go out to all of you.
Diedra G...
Linda was also part of our small quilt group, Outlaws.
What I'll always remember about her was not only how kind and talented she was, but how willing she was to share her tips and techniques for applique.
I'm sorry she had such a devastating illness, but I choose to remember the good times and her friendship.
Warm regards
Bev W...
I am sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. While you were still living in the Lansing area, I enjoyed seeing Linda at monthly CCQG meetings. She always had a smile and provided positive encouragement for each of us. She will be missed.
Maxine L...
So sorry to hear of Linda's illness in passing.
We bonded over our car rides to Paducah KY to go to the quilt shows there. Six of us in the car and the four days at the show.
Linda and I also both adopted little boys. Hers was five months, as I recall, and mine was 18 months. They both turned out to be great men we were proud of.
Polly B...
I always remember Linda’s welcoming smile and sincerity from the first Guild meeting I attended until her last times. I always felt I had a friend there for me. She is missed and gone way too soon!
Gail F... & Roberta B...
Linda was a very talented needleworker. Her applique was wonderous and she had a style all of her own. She was always excellent company on retreats and in meetings. Her cookies were the best. Her lovely personality was solely missed when she moved to California and her loss is felt even more now. We’re fortunate to have known her.
Anne M...
I first met Linda on the campus of the University of Michigan when her son and his girlfriend, my niece, were graduating from college. It was a big-time family affair. When ever there is a group event, my family of ten resorts to our wild and crazy ways. This day was no exception. I remember thinking, as I saw Linda politely sitting there observing our shenanigans, of how overwhelming we must all seem but, in that instant, she made a lasting impression on me with her sweet smile and non-judging demeanor.
I enjoyed Linda’s company ever since. She has enthusiastically participated in all our family gatherings and parties. She never hesitated to experience a good time, be it dancing on stage in Debbie Allen’s African dance workshop in Los Angeles, to excitedly using her brain to pull us all forward in a difficult Escape Room in Los Angeles, to waiting patiently at 11 o’clock at night for my clean bedspread to dry in order to spend the night with Ron in my mountain home.
Her Christmas party dinners were very festive, delightful, and delicious; And of course, the after-dinner games were a hoot!
Linda was generous with her time and her friendship. She was a great communicator and problem solver. If you were lucky enough to receive one of her sewing or quilt gifts, you were lucky enough.
At my father’s and my annual St. Patrick’ Day dinner parties for 35, Linda was always the first one at the sink to help with the dishes.
I will miss her presence and will think on her wonderful legacy fondly.
Sandra A...
I am so sorry to receive this news. Linda was not only a friend, but an inspiration and a teacher to all of us. I had the joy to attend several retreats at the Buffalo Inn in Indiana with Linda and admire her creations in the making. During a particular difficult time for me, a vet technician showed kindness to our family and dog, I did not know how to reciprocate her. Around the same time, at GLQ we made quilts with other members fabrics, and Linda was the one to make the one with my fabrics. The resulting happy quilt makes you feel that you were in a garden full of daisies. The name of the kind technician is Daisy; the quilt was meant to be hers. To this day, she talks about the beautiful, perfectly made quilt.
Linda will for ever by in our hearts.
Jan Lee A...
What I remember about Linda was her ability to be able to talk to anyone, and she usually did. So many quilt shows which we both loved. I would look around and find her three vendors back having a long conversation about the product, fabric, thread or the quilting process. She never met a quilter she couldn't talk to.
Quilting is how we met and grew to be such good friends. Linda taught me how to applique. Her skills were phenomenal. Mine were limited, but her knowledge and patience made learning easy.
We shared so many hours together, traveling to and from quilting events that we came to share our pasts, personal experiences, and personalities with each other.
Every winter, Linda and Ron would pack up and move to California for several months. I would miss her terribly and always shared how much snow we had here in Michigan, while she was basking in the California sunshine.
I once told her how much I missed the Pacific Ocean and how if I ever saw it again I would run barefoot into it. Finally, when they decided to move permanently west she invited me to visit and of course go to the quilt show with her. The first morning I was there, she announced that we were going out for lunch. Off we drove along "freeways" and palm trees. I kept asking where we were headed and she kept saying "just wait." We ended up along the Pacific Coast Highway, took a train and ended at the bottom of the cliffs. And there was the Pacific Ocean, she laughed and said "Take off your shoes". The fact that she remembered our long ago conversation and was so happy to fulfill my wish touched me greatly.
My memories of Linda are too many, too tender and too personal to share. But she was and always will be one of my best friends. I will miss her always and think of her often. Every time I see a beautiful quilt, attend a show or shop for fabric Linda will be there.
I loved her deeply.
Judith K...
Linda was one of the welcoming faces at the Crazy Quilters guild.
She was organized and accurate and sorted out potential problems before they arrived. I am very sad at her passing and will miss a kind friend.
David C...
I am so sorry about your loss of Linda. She was such a warm, friendly woman. Blessings to you and your family.
Linda and Larry D...
When we think of Linda, the words talented, thoughtful and kind come to mind.
Years ago we had purchased a new table and chairs to go in our three season room, and had tried, unsuccessfully, to find cushions for the four chairs. There were limited choices available, but none with the proper fabric, color and pattern to suit our taste.
When Linda heard of our dilemma she offered to make the cushions we needed. Linda’s sewing skills were exceptional. We found the perfect fabric and bought the foam. Linda, using her sewing wizardry, did all the rest, including making the pattern for the cushions, cutting the foam in four perfect circles, adding piping and making ties to secure them to the chairs.
When she finished they were, and still are the best cushions. She wouldn’t accept payment from us for all of her hard work, time and talent.
We use those chairs to eat our meals throughout the summer (and parts of spring and fall), and we have for all these years. We think of Linda and her thoughtful, kind and generous spirit often.
Linda wasn’t just a casual seamstress. As we understand it, she also made clothes for Ron, including tailored suits!
Her hosting and culinary skills were also top drawer. When it was Nelson’s turn to host Movie Night, Linda would offer us delicious home made desserts, often with fresh whipped cream.
Don and Patty C...
When I think of Linda, two things immediately come to mind. The first is her learning to quilt. I remember Linda showing us her first projects. She was, rightfully, so proud of them. She knew we would appreciate the time, work, and patience that went into each new quilt. Her face would light up while she went into detail about each one. And, not surprisingly, each new quilt was better than the last. It was easy to see the love she put into them all.
My second strong memory of Linda was discussing her being a volunteer counselor at Ele's Place. She would talk about the children with kindness and love. I remember telling her it took a special person to be able to help these children. I know I don't have it in me to do that day after day. But Linda did. She was always kind and patient and liked to laugh. I think that's what allowed her to help so many grieving children.
Attached is one of our favorite pictures of the two of you.
Jeanette and Doug M...
As friends and neighbors of the Nelson’s for 33 years in Haslett, and one of four neighborhood households involved with them in our Movie Night group, Jeanette and Doug Miller will share some of our fondest memories of Linda Nelson.
We feel fortunate to have had a long standing friendship with both Linda and Ron.
Bob G...
There are no words that can ease your pain, but I do want to share a couple of Linda memories.
Whenever I came to your place I remember smiling to myself to hear Linda always calling you "Ronnie"...cause nobody else would dare?
I also remember any number of times when I came to your place when you were indisposed for a minute or three. Linda would always make me feel welcome and we would talk a bit about stuff, particularly school stuff. Fortunately, she I think was always on the same page as you and me.
I don't think I ever heard Linda raise her voice about anything. Quite unlike us. She seemed to be very easy going and always nice, so don't spoil it by telling me otherwise.
Maybe most important, you two had a long and enviable marriage, and even if the Lord wasn't sure you should join her upstairs, Linda would intervene on your behalf and you would get a pass.
I told me next door neighbor (Cindy) about Linda passing. She told me how much she liked Linda because she was so nice to everyone at my one-time Christmas party, and how there were several times when she was at your place with her dog that got to run around your backyard. She said Linda was maybe the kindest person she knew, and I'm guessing lots of others felt that way too.
Ruth N...
Linda organize the first trip I took to Road to California. She was very efficient to all the details. She was proud of you being our Webmaster.
My condolences to your family.
Mona B...
I met Linda at the first Crazy Quilters Guild meeting I attended when I first arrived in Laguna Woods. Linda was the membership chairwoman. She greeted me with warmth and welcome as though I was the most special person she had met that day. Linda and I became good friends. We and some other ladies would go on fun outings to craft fairs, quilt shops, fabric stores, quilt exhibits, and quilt shows. Linda was always exuberant about these outings and fun to be with. But what was so delightful and really made me smile was her treasure hunt for a special pair of earrings for her beloved daughter-in-law, Cheyna. I accompanied her on some of these hunts through various vendor booths, and it was so wonderful when Linda had the perfect pair in sight and had obtained them for Cheyna. She always had a mischievous and satisfied look on her face and a twinkle in her eye with her triumphant find.
Bruce B...
Sometimes you make friends with someone, and you feel like you have been friends your whole life. That is what it was like to have Linda and Ron as my friends. I knew Linda socially and every time we would get together with them and our Laguna Woods Village friends, we would have such a good time. It’s hard to convey what it is like to have Linda as my friend, so I’ve added some photos to show the joyous fun times we had. She added so much to our lives and we know we will see her again one day when we join her in Heaven.
We have an annual Christmas get together that we call Reindeer Games and it is a time to be joyous and celebrate our friendships while we play silly games. Here is a photo of Linda being a reindeer and Ron trying to get rings around her antlers.
With the Laguna Woods `Gang`
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We celebrated birthdays together and wearing a silly hat was a must. Linda is the star of this show!
Shari R...
Linda was a wonderful friend! She always had a smile on her face when she greeted everyone at check in table at the guild meetings. She had the patience of “Job” when she taught an appliqué class and when we shopped for supplies.
My favorite story is when. She finally came over to use my long arm machine to quilt one of her quilts. We got it all loaded on the machine. She had picked out her design she wanted to use which would go from edge to edge on each row. I showed how the laser light worked on the design and how to follow it. She said, “She said she had done that before in Michigan at a friends house.” she was ready to go! She did the first few designs at a slow speed. Then all of a sudden she was going at full speed ahead, zoom, zoom , zoom. I was shocked how fast she was going and when she got to the end of the row she stopped. I asked, “How did you do following the laser light,” and she said, “Oh that laser lines are just a suggestion, I couldn’t stay within them so I just started doing my own thing!” That was Linda! She just took charge and finished in record time!
I think of her often when I’m having and hard time staying within them laser light lines and remember they are just a suggestion and continue quilting do the best I can.
Susan and John H...
I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the special memories I have of you. I’ll always remember how you made the best apple pie with that homemade crust—truly the best I’ve ever had. You’d serve it every time you had company, and I had the pleasure of enjoying it countless times at your house. It was always such a treat.
Another memory that stands out is your beautiful cross-stich of the Nutcrackers. I’m not sure if it was ever finished, but it was such a lovely, intricate piece of work, just like everything you made. Your hand-stitched appliqué was always so beautifully done, delicate and precise, and it never failed to impress me.
You were also the organizer of our bus trips to Road to California, and I always admired how you handled all the details. Those trips wouldn’t have been the same without you. Even when COVID started and we couldn’t meet in person, you helped make sure we still stayed connected through our Friday night Zoom game nights. You were always such a fun participant and helped bring a sense of joy to those evenings.
And of course, I will always remember your warm smile and the vast knowledge you had about quilting. You were a true expert, and I learned so much from you. I will miss you, Linda, more than words can say.
Thank you for all the wonderful memories. You made such an impact, and I am so grateful to have known you.
With love and gratitude,
Your friends
Judy and Jim M...
Linda had a way of making each person feel special. Her friendship and volunteer hours touched many lives, including ours.
Laurie T...
I was just sharing a tip with Shari that Linda taught me and I told her that it made me smile and I always thought about Linda when I used it.
I remember talking to Linda about the problems I was having with machine binding my quilts. My binding would slip and move with pins and clips. I had to hand stitch the binding so it would look nice. Linda asked me if had used the white glue and ironing method. She quickly explained how to do it and also told me about a YouTube website to watch so I could see the process. I think of Linda every time I bind my quilts and I always smile.
Linda K...
I remember Linda from when she first joined CCQG. We would greet each other with "HI Linda". "Hi Linda".
I know she volunteered for things that had to be done to run the guild and got involved with a group from Haslett.
I left the guild after being a member since the beginning and recently rejoined. I didn't know you all had moved to California.
So sorry about the loss of Linda. Best to you, Ron, as you journey without her.
I remember Linda from when she first joined CCQG. We would greet each other with "HI Linda". "Hi Linda".
I know she volunteered for things that had to be done to run the guild and got involved with a group from Haslett.
I left the guild after being a member since the beginning and recently rejoined. I didn't know you all had moved to California.
So sorry about the loss of Linda. Best to you, Ron, as you journey without her.
Jean K...
These are the photos I have from Paducah.
Linda and I met through the HELO club when it tried to start a quilting group. In our one and only meeting, there were 3 of us and someone was trying to teach Linda and I how to paper piece. It wasn't a successful group.
We then met at Lansing Area Patchers (LAP) and remembered where we knew each other from. Jan Asmann joined us and also went to LAP. It was a fun and a little crazy time. Carole Rasmussen joined us a couple years later and our group was formed. We did lots as a group and also attended Capital City Quilt Guild (CCQG) together.
Jan and Linda went to Paducah several times together on a bus and when the bus stopped, Jan decided to drive and fill up her van. Carole and I were invited to go alone. We got the wayback of the van. We left all the driving and directions to the 4 folks farther up front. The trip on the way was alway fun and challenging as we had a schedule so we could meet relatives of the riders along the way at specific times. No loitering at the rest stops or lunch.
Paducah - Jean K
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The first year, we couldn't get in the hotel the bus always went to, so one of the riders found on online and we all made reservations. That was quite an experience. It was one of the lower tier hotels. The towels were so thin you could almost see through them and they weren't big enough to cover the smallest of us. Continental breakfast was quite a joke also. What laughs we had. We only stayed there that first year and on our way home we checked out other hotels for the next year. We asked to see their towels and toilet paper before we made reservations.
By having a car at our disposal we were able to explore the area and we got the chance to go to Metropolis, Ill and see all the Superman tourist sites. One of the photos is of Linda in Supergirl's body.
That year was the year Paducah had a flood and all the quilt exhibits were moved to different locations all over town. Since it was different from when Jan and Linda had been there before, they were as lost as we were. They had maps provided and that did help a bit in trying to find things but getting lost was frequent and always had us laughing.
Every night after dinner each person would spread out their haul on their beds and we would go around and see what each and bought and we decided to keep track of how much yardage each person bought. Linda was more into lace, ribbons and trim so it was hard to keep track so in future years we made her keep track of her yardage even though it was only ribbon. That photo is of our first tally. Looking back, the first year was probably the most fun because we were all a bit confused and so many things were far from perfect. Many stories to tell.
It was a sad day when Linda (and you) moved away. The foursome was broken. We were never so close again. She was like the glue that held us together. It was so nice when Jan and I came to visit in 2018. Seeing where she lived and shopped and hung out made it more like she was a part of our life again.
I was devastated when I heard she had died. Many times I think of her when I see something or come across something we did or fabric we bought together. Now I will miss her more.