NORTH SEBAGO — Frances J. Nelson of North Sebago passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011.

She was born in Everett, Mass. on Aug. 23, 1930. After graduating from Everett High School, she became a registered nurse through a joint program at Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Nursing Schools.

Frances (Fran or Frannie to her friends) raised her family of five children in Maine, Massachusetts, Olean, N.Y. and New Jersey before returning to Maine. In the earlier years, while raising her children, she worked as an RN, passing up the opportunity to get her MD when her fifth child arrived.

She was also very active in community events, being elected president of the Women’s Republican Club and hosting Miss America Pageant candidates and foreign exchange students. She also hosted square dances, bridge club and an array of ongoing activities.

In 1975, she moved to Maine with her Westbrook-native husband, Raymond C. Nelson, as owners and operators of Sebago Lake Camps and Cottages in North Sebago, previously operated by Raymond’s parents, Bob and Ruth Nelson. There, she was an active member of the Sebago Rescue Squad, Sebago Lions Club, and Sebago Branch Duckers for many years.

Frances is survived by her children, Patti Radford, Darlene Varian, Robert Nelson, Linda Gardiner and Raymond Nelson; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, with one more due in August; and her brother, Samuel Guiffre of Wellesley, Mass. and recently Roxbury, Vt.

She was predeceased by her parents; brother Louis; and husband of 47 years, Raymond.

Visitation was Sunday. A service was held immediately following at Westbrook Warren Congregational Church, UCC, 810 Main Street, Westbrook. There was a reception at the church after the service. An interment service was held on Monday at Woodlawn Cemetery. Arrangements by Blais & Hay Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Sebago Rescue, care of the Town of Sebago, 406 Bridgton Road, Sebago, ME 04029.