Doris Cooper Nelson

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This is to announce that after a valiant battle with Dementia, on July 22, 2025, Doris Arlene Cooper Nelson, passed into heaven to the arms of Jesus and those waiting for her at heaven’s gate.

She was born in Syracuse, New York October 18, 1925.  She died peacefully in Graham, North Carolina at the home of her youngest daughter and care giver, Christine.

Doris is survived by her children, Linnéa Marrin (Tim), Neal (Karen), and Christine Foote (Steve), her grandchildren Jason Foote, Kelsey Marrin, Trevor Marrin (Sam), Samantha Nelson, Tyler Foote and her great grandson Wylder Marrin.

Predeceased relatives include her husband Neal  E. Nelson Jr., father Duane E. Cooper, mother Linnea Liljequist Cooper, sister Barbara Cooper Moore.

Doris studied nursing at the University Of Rochester School of Nursing in Rochester, NY, graduating with the class of 1946 as a Registered Nurse, RN.  Doris toyed with the idea of becoming a Frontier Nurse, riding horse back through rural areas of the country but decided to devote herself to the maternity ward in labor and delivery.  She was then employed by Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.  When she married Neal E. Nelson Jr. of Youngstown, NY they resided first in Rochester then Niagara Falls.  The couple took up a long term residence in Lewiston, NY.  Doris continued her nursing at St. Mary’s Hospital in Niagara Falls.

This ambitious and hard working woman balanced her nursing schedule while raising three children and supporting her husband, Neal, as his bookkeeper, secretary and as store clerk for his restaurant supply company, “Nelson Equipment” and for their gift shop, “Nelsons’ Country Store” both located in Lewiston.  Doris was also a faithful member of the Chancel Choir at The First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston.

Doris’ nursing career spanned six decades.  She served in private doctors’ offices, college health centers and, her final position, as head night nurse for Clearwater Community Hospital in Clearwater, NY.  She retired in 1990.

In Doris’ lifetime, her greatest personal interests centered on knitting and music.  She knit endlessly for more than 75 years.  It was in 2024 that she had to put her needles down as her macular degeneration seriously limited her eyesight.  Doris played piano since her elementary school days.  She always had a radio playing the stations with the beloved standards of her era.  Her love of music truly blossomed when she began studying theatre organ while living in Clearwater, FL.  She purchased a class A organ for her home and practiced often.  Doris was a featured performer in local malls representing the company where she purchased her instrument.  She was very happy during this time.

Doris knew she was going to heaven.  She had accepted Jesus as her Savior decades ago.  During her final months she was sad that she couldn’t knit.  She asked her daughter, Christine, if she would be able to knit in heaven.  Christine said, “Yes.”  Doris’ response was, “Do you think Jesus will have enough yarn for me???”  Christine answered, “YES!!!!”

The public visitation and service will be held at McClure Funeral Services in Graham, NC. on Saturday, July 26, 2025.  Visitation will be from 12 PM to one, service following at one.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Dementia Society of America. Dementiasociety.org.