Published in the November 4, 2016 edition

Virginia-Nelsen-obit-11-4-16-webMALDEN — Virginia H. Nelsen, 93, a lifelong resident of Malden, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016 at Whidden Memorial Hospital.

Virginia was born on March 2, 1923 and was one of three children of the late Perley and Annie (Shanks) Chappel. Raised and educated in Malden, Virginia called Malden home for her entire 93 years. She worked in bookkeeping for several years at Schrafft’s Candy. As a dedicated mother, she provided loving care and support to her two daughters, Barbara and Beverly.

Virginia had simple needs in life. At home in Malden, she enjoyed playing the organ or spending time with “Lucky,” her favorite beagle. She was a longtime devoted member of the Forestdale Community Church in Malden and enjoyed friendships from her women’s club in Everett. Every year, she looked forward to spending time in Fort Lauderdale-By-the-Sea. In her free time, she enjoyed bus trips with the Saugus Senior Center and day trips with daughter Beverly to the coastal towns of Kennebunkport, Boothbay Harbor, Lake Ossipee or Cape Cod.

She was a simple woman, with a strong sense of right and wrong and was very devoted to her daughters.

Virginia was the beloved wife of the late Walter J. Nelsen. She was the devoted mother of Barbara McQueen of Everett; and Beverly Nelsen of Malden. She was the dear sister of the late Eleanor Maffeo and her late husband Herb; and the late Sonny Chappel. She was the cherished grandmother of Barbara Tomasello of Everett and Lainie Gilbert of Everett. She was the loving great-grandmother of Kailey Gilbert of Everett.

Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Virginia’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, Nov. 3, and for her Funeral Service at the Forestdale Community Church, 235 Forest St., Malden celebrated on Friday at 10 a.m. Interment in Forest Dale Cemetery, Malden. For online tribute, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.