Worcester, VT

Surrounded by family and friends, Barbara Kelley Nelson moved on from this world on October 27, 2024.

Barbara was born on October 23, 1922, in Leominster, MA, to the late E. Harmon and Shirley Whitney Kelly. She was married in April of 1940 to Edward Nelson.

From age two, she spent her life in Vermont, except for five years when the family lived in CT during WWII.

Barbara graduated from Montpelier High School and was later employed at the Capacitator Plant in Barre for several years before employment with the State of Vermont at the Dept of Motor Vehicles as well as the Tax Department. Barbara proudly worked for Vermont Life Magazine for nearly 20 years which she retired from. She also worked for Zayre's Dept Store and the Grand Union.

Barbara was an avid photographer for most of her life, she had a dark room in her home for many years. She was always interested in her ancestral background. She decided to pass the family history down in pictures by making photo albums for each member of her ever-growing family, with ancestry dating back to 1765.

Acres of gardens sparked the making of pickles and jams. Barbara would exhibit her wares at the annual craft shows, including pickles, jams, and note cards made from her brilliant photography.

Family was important to her life, and she enjoyed sewing, making each family member several quilts. She knitted in her earlier years, creating sweaters, hats, and mittens for her grandchildren. Barbara also braided rugs for family members.

Barbara loved all cultures and travel. She began traveling to other countries in the 80s mostly with her sister, Virginia. One of her favorite trips was to Egypt and Jordan because of the Biblical history she found there. Another special trip was to Turkey with her daughter Judy. She traveled to Alaska semi-annually for many years to spend time with her "Alaska Family" as she happily referred to family there. She took many trips with her brother Harmon and also her grandchildren.

As a special 80th birthday gift, the family presented her with a skydiving jump which she greatly enjoyed with her great-grandson Kyle Devitt.

Barbara is survived by her daughters Judy Sayers of Worcester, Franne Nelson of Morrisville, Donna Barry, and husband Terry of Alaska/Arizona and Anne Nelson of Worcester. Also survived by 10 grandchildren Rob Laclair, Kelli, Linda and Cheryl Thuren, Betty French, Kevin, John and David Barry, Deb Percy, and Sarah Baylous. She has 24 great-grandchildren and 21 great-great-grandchildren with one more on the way; and many nieces and nephews she held dear.

She was predeceased by her parents, sister, and three brothers. As well as her husband, two sons, a daughter-in-law, three sons-in-laws, a granddaughter, and a great-grandson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

There will be a celebration of life at the Worcester Town Hall at a date to be announced.