Claudia Nelson

Claudia Madge Nelson passed away Sept. 28, at the Cheney Care Center where she resided following a stroke in February 2008. 

Claudia was born March 6, 1920 in Danville, Wash. and was the oldest child of Claude and C. Madge Brinkman.

On Dec. 17, 1939 Claudia married Albin Nelson and for the next 50 years they lived on Little Goosemus Creek, outside of Curlew, Wash. Not only was Claudia his lifelong partner, but she was also Albin’s book keeper for his sawmill/logging operation, Nelson Lumber. Together they raised three children: Dale (Elaine) Nelson of Anchorage, Alaska, Gary (Mary) Nelson of Curlew and Lois (Allen) Bremner of Cheney. In September 1989, Claudia and Albin moved to Cheney.

During her children’s school years, Claudia was an active part of the PTA, a willing driver for selling annual ads and followed the basketball and baseball teams as well as later on, her grandchildren’s sporting events

She served as secretary for over 25 years for Malo Grange No. 679 of which she was a member for over 70 years. She belonged to Eastern Star in Republic and in Cheney. 

Her brothers David and Glenn, her parents and her husband, Albin, preceded Claudia in death. 

She is survived by her children, four grandchildren and three great- grandchildren, sister Margery Simanton, sisters-in-law Aleen Brinkman and Helen Brinkman as well as many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 7 at the Curlew Civic Hall. Interment followed at the Danville Cemetery.

Claudia loved flowers, but cut flowers wilting made her sad. In lieu of flowers, please support your favorite charity, Shriners Children Hospital or the Cheney Care Center.