Jane Nelson

SCARBOROUGH — Jane Veazie Nelson, 97, died peacefully at Piper Shores in Scarborough on Saturday, March 25, 2017.

The daughter of Maurice and Jean (Scott) Veazie, she was born in Boston, Mass. on Jan. 24, 1920.

She attended Belmont Schools and Bates College. She received her bachelor’s degree from Simmons College, Class of 1942. While a student at Simmons, she met Clifford Nelson, who was a graduate student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. They were married in Malden, Mass. in 1941. They lived in Washington, D.C., Durham, N.H., and Boxford, Mass. while Clifford was active in government war assignments.

During the war years in Boxford, Jane ran a small nursery school, raised chickens, kept bees, and harvested a large garden; her daughter Susan was born during that time. Jane then accompanied her husband to England, where Clifford earned a Ph.D. at the University of London. Their son Lars was born during their stay in England. Jane taught school in London and Sussex.

After five years abroad, the Nelson family returned to the United States where Clifford was engaged in biomedical research in Salt Lake City. Jane continued in her beloved passion, teaching.

In 1956, Clifford obtained grants from the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health and began a long career in research at Maine Medical Center in Portland. The family moved to Gorham, where they lived in the same historic house for over 40 years. Jane resumed teaching full time. She pursued graduate studies at the University of Maine from which she received her master’s degree and became a reading supervisor and later was licensed for Individual Psychological Testing. Active in Gorham, Jane served on the board of the library, was active serving as president of the Woman’s Club, was literary chairman and regional chairman of the Maine Federation of Women’s Clubs and a number of civic organizations, as well as teaching. Jane was a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Portland and of the Mother Church in Boston.

After retirement from teaching, Jane became a literacy volunteer and served on its state board, as well as tutoring. She spent a number of joyful years as docent of the Baxter House Museum and published a book on James Phinney Baxter. Her volunteering included the Maine Youth Center, Sweetser, local historical societies and the Women’s Literary Union.

Her hobbies of reading, painting and traveling were enjoyed. Travels took her and Clifford to 39 countries and almost every state. After the death of her husband, Jane moved to Piper Shores Retirement Community in Scarborough, where she continued her many activities, especially those at USM’s Senior College.

Jane is survived by her daughter, Susan Carver of Raymond; her son, Lars Nelson of Islesboro; five grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was predeceased by her husband, Clifford.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017, at 11 a.m. at the First Parish Congregational, 1 Church Street, Gorham, ME 04038. Arrangements are in the care of Dolby Funeral Chapel, 76 State St., Gorham, ME 04038. To express condolences or participate in Jane’s online tribute, please visit www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Heifer International, Attn. Donor Services, 1 World Ave., Little Rock, AR 72202 or to: the charity of your choice.