age 63, passed away December 22nd, 2007, surrounded by her loved ones, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Mrs. Nelson was born May 28th, 1944, in Appleton, Wisconsin to Art and Bernice Geach.
She came to California where she graduated from Anaheim High School in 1962. On June 27, 1964 she was united in marriage to her childhood sweetheart, David Shawn Nelson.
Mrs. Nelson worked for many years as a Human Resource Director for JC Penny’s in Buena Park, and later as Human Resource Director for Fullerton School of Optometry.
Mrs. Nelson was devoted to her hobby of purebred dogs and over the years earned numerous performance and obedience titles on her own dogs as well as developing a dedicated following of students and dogs who excelled under her remarkable tutelage.
She was a member of several dogs clubs and affiliations including the Old English Sheepdog Club of America, The Original Havanese Club, The Havanese Club of America, The Havanese Club of Southern Ca, and The Toy Breeders Assoc. of Southern Ca.
Mrs. Nelson is survived by her husband, David Nelson, her parents, Art and Bernice Geach, Sisters, Kathie Lindsey, twins (Debbie Gerlach, Diane Wilkins) . Brothers Arthur Jr. (Skip) Geach, Robert Geach, and Michael Geach, eight nieces, seven nephews, and her beloved dogs, Sparky, Tippy, Buster, Sandy and Tina.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Placentia Presbyterian Church, 849 N. Bradford, Placentia, CA. on Friday, Dec 28th at 1:00pm. Friends are welcome to attend.
We would like to thank Susan Nelson’s dear friend, Linda Spencer for the loving care and support she provided to Sue over the past year.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Havanese Rescue Inc. or The American Cancer Society.
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My memories of Sue all include her vast wealth of knowledge, her attention to detail and if you needed her, she was right there.
I loved most that she encouraged me to belong to the Hav world.
Happy, my first Hav isn't a model specimen. Shaved down, crooked legs, too big, she still welcomed him each year to the Pet Expo.
I shall describe one of the last days of Sue Nelson. I did not know her closely but feel a great loss. I have a wonderful Havanese,Angie, because of her Blockbuster line.
Being new to the dog world, I watched at first from the sidelines at our fun days, but Sue was quick to get me involved and interested in the many events that you could do with the Havanese. Only a few weeks ago the true determination and resilience of this wonderful lady became apparent to me. Weak, but refusing to be defeated she walked the entire length of the Long Beach Convention Center at the Eukanuba show, so she could be at our Meet the Breed booth. When judging for the Best of Breed started she adamantly refused any help, and once again walked what seemed like a mile or more, so she could watch the event. She was an unbelievably proud lady. It wasn’t until the end of the show that Mary Cerny and I were able to convince her to use a wheelchair that we borrowed. I then wheeled her through every booth. She pointed out to me some of the unique items each vendor carried. Ever the teacher, she convinced me to purchase Plaque Off for my dogs. Being a nurse I could see that she was struggling but she never complained
. Even though she was exhausted, she happily greeted her friends and congratulated them on their wins. I feel privileged to have spent that time with Sue. I am sadden by the void she will leave, but feel fortunate to have known her.
My sincerest condolences to her family and friends.
Jeri Sutherling
Tippy's Poem
Just below the edge of thought
she senses you and what you taught
She pauses just to watch your hands
your wishes now are her commands
fingers softly subtly dance
waving gently, now's her chance
trusting jumping right on cue
she follows signals straight and true
now she's practiced and she's run
lifted up because she's done
reassuring fingers soothe
she relaxes as you smooth
touch so tender ever kind
healing fingers help unwind
lifting, holding, sliding through
ever loving warm and true
Sparky's Poem
Standing quietly at your side
He looks ahead now far and wide
He's older now, but still you see
his magnitude intensity
For though he's small, his posture shows
a forcefulness, a strength he knows
He's still the reigning royalty
emboldened by their loyalty
Somewhere in imagination
he may have a limitation
He looks at you as if to see
inside your thoughts, a memory
Another time when he would run
and chase and play and join the fun
but for now he only stands
unwavering without demands
Your little sentry by your side
honoring your sense of pride
Love,
Robin
Sue was an inspiration to so many of us.
For anyone who doesn't know me, my name is Robin Mosher and I have been a close friend of Sue's for several years. I am very deeply honored that Sue's family has asked me to offer a few words about Sue.
A few months ago, Sue asked me to help her write an article for Our Havanese, a magazine devoted to our breed of dogs. I was delighted to be asked to help and jumped right in. Because the article concerned a type of nutritional discipline Sue had originally mentored me about, I mentioned in the article how much I had appreciated learning from Sue along with a little humor that it's hard to NOT learn from Sue. I sent the first draft over to Sue to edit, and she sends it back with a whole slew of minor edits like "this just didn't read right" and so forth. Then she made a comment about how "I really didn't need to blow her horn so much" So I offered to remove the horn blowing parts. She said, "Well, no…go ahead and leave it in, we'll see how it reads..."
One of Sue's most favorite things to do was to occasionally get away to her vacation home in Big Bear. She said it made her feel closer to nature and she would tell me about the birds and the squirrels, the crisp bright mornings and the gorgeous sunsets. The times spent in Big Bear were especially loved when Sue's parents, sisters and brothers came up to join Sue and Dave and made it a family event.
Sue often told me that her husband Dave was her best friend. She loved to show visitors to her home, not only her precious dog pictures, but also her beloved pictures and stories of her and Dave together going back to some of their first dates. To be around the two of them together was always a treat because they would tell you a story that would bounce back and forth between the two of them as they recalled different parts and then the story would pull you in as they often finished each others sentences telling the same part.
As most of us know, Sue loved dogs. Over the years she had different breeds including poodles and Old English Sheepdogs, but her heart settled on Havanese after she got her first, whom she named Sparky. Sue loved showing her dogs in many different events, and she always showed her dogs herself. One of the things I'll always remember about Sue at a dog show, was her determination to win. She'd spend hours showing me how to properly present my own dog to win, but if we entered the ring together, to vie for the same judge, she'd get this utterly determined look on her face, and she'd turn to me and say, "I hope you do well, but I intend to win!" And she did win.....a lot!
Her philosophy about her dogs was simple. She had fun with them. You could see it in the dogs as they happily did whatever was asked of them and in the glow on Sue's face as she smiled in encouragement. No stress, just fun. Everything was a game which both Sue and her dogs enjoyed playing. She had the same philosophy about how she taught people to train their dogs. "Make it fun" she'd say, "And it will always be fun". Sue not only taught people and dogs the actual art of canine dancing, she taught people and their dogs how to dance with each other as partners in life.
If someone or their dog seemed a little nervous, Sue was right there with calming suggestions and more often than not, she'd spritz you or your dog with one of her herbal remedies which usually worked. Once, ……while at a show, I was feeling nervous and Sue didn't have her magic potion handy. So she tells me "You know, they preserve those remedies with alcohol....I use Vodka....I think that's why they work so well.....maybe you just need a drink?" The rest of that show went just fine.......
Sue was an amazing influence on the Havanese breed of dog and dogs in general. She was always delighted to share her tremendous knowledge and experience about anything dog related whether it involved suggesting an herbal remedy for a puppy with a tummy ache, or the best way to read the new Rally event training cards, Sue had the answers. She was also an outspoken proponent on the ethics and rights of people who show and breed dogs and was involved in fighting the anti-pet legislation that has been cropping up in Ca. and elsewhere. She was a major force in getting dog clubs, events and activities started in the area and helping others to do the same in their local areas.
You could always tell when Sue had arrived at a dog event, even if she was way off in the distance as she frequently had all five of her Havanese on leashes leading the way. Usually Buster and Sandy were in front, Tippy and Tina flanked her sides and Sparky......good old Sparky was busy stopping to count blades of grass trying to slow everyone down. He is, I have no doubt, the smartest of the bunch....
Sue loved magic and all things magical and she believed in God and miracles. She loved dogs and animals and people and Mary Kay make-up, and she always gave so much of herself in so many ways up to and including donating her blood every year for most of her adult life as her blood type was rare and helped save many, many people.
When Sue learned she had cancer, she chose to fight it with the amazing grace, defiant determination, sincere laughter and the utter triumph of spirit that was so much a part of her. She once sent me an email about her illness that ended with "Anyone who says only sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain" Sue could find the positive in anything.....
I would like to take this moment to especially recognize Linda Spencer, a truly wonderful and deeply caring friend of Sue's who was there for Sue for every step of the way through every challenge Sue faced with her illness. Whenever Sue had to confront an issue with her doctors, she would always tell me....."Don't worry, I'll be fine, I've got Linda with me." Linda, I know it's partly because of you that Sue was able to be with us as long as she was. Everyone is so very grateful for everything you were to her.
There's something rare and special about a person who always makes you feel good - without even trying. Sue was that person. Though the world has lost your beautiful soul, we will never lose what you brought to our lives. Grace, sunshine, spark, the ability to touch people without having to reach out - a simple understanding of hearts. There's nothing more refreshing than coming across such a person in your life - And nothing so appreciated as being able to call them your friend.
Susan Ann Nelson was born on May 28th, 1944 in Appleton, Wisconsin to Art and Bernice Geach.
She came to California where she graduated from Anaheim High School in 1962
On June 27, 1964 she was united in marriage to her childhood sweetheart, David Shawn Nelson
Tippy's Poem
Just below the edge of thought
she senses you and what you taught
She pauses just to watch your hands
your wishes now are her commands
fingers softly subtly dance
waving gently, now's her chance
trusting jumping right on cue
she follows signals straight and true
now she's practiced and she's run
lifted up because she's done
reassuring fingers soothe
she relaxes as you smooth
touch so tender ever kind
healing fingers help unwind
lifting, holding, sliding through
ever loving warm and true
Sparky's Poem
Standing quietly at your side
He looks ahead now far and wide
He's older now, but still you see
his magnitude intensity
For though he's small, his posture shows
a forcefulness, a strength he knows
He's still the reigning royalty
emboldened by their loyalty
Somewhere in imagination
he may have a limitation
He looks at you as if to see
inside your thoughts, a memory
Another time when he would run
and chase and play and join the fun
but for now he only stands
unwavering without demands
Your little sentry by your side
honoring your sense of pride
Love,
Robin
I shall describe one of the last days of Sue Nelson. I did not know her closely but feel a great loss. I have a wonderful Havanese,Angie, because of her Blockbuster line.
Being new to the dog world, I watched at first from the sidelines at our fun days, but Sue was quick to get me involved and interested in the many events that you could do with the Havanese. Only a few weeks ago the true determination and resilience of this wonderful lady became apparent to me. Weak, but refusing to be defeated she walked the entire length of the Long Beach Convention Center at the Eukanuba show, so she could be at our Meet the Breed booth. When judging for the Best of Breed started she adamantly refused any help, and once again walked what seemed like a mile or more, so she could watch the event. She was an unbelievably proud lady. It wasn’t until the end of the show that Mary Cerny and I were able to convince her to use a wheelchair that we borrowed. I then wheeled her through every booth. She pointed out to me some of the unique items each vendor carried. Ever the teacher, she convinced me to purchase Plaque Off for my dogs. Being a nurse I could see that she was struggling but she never complained
. Even though she was exhausted, she happily greeted her friends and congratulated them on their wins. I feel privileged to have spent that time with Sue. I am sadden by the void she will leave, but feel fortunate to have known her.
My sincerest condolences to her family and friends.
Jeri Sutherling
For anyone who doesn't know me, my name is Robin Mosher and I have been a close friend of Sue's for several years. I am very deeply honored that Sue's family has asked me to offer a few words about Sue.
A few months ago, Sue asked me to help her write an article for Our Havanese, a magazine devoted to our breed of dogs. I was delighted to be asked to help and jumped right in. Because the article concerned a type of nutritional discipline Sue had originally mentored me about, I mentioned in the article how much I had appreciated learning from Sue along with a little humor that it's hard to NOT learn from Sue. I sent the first draft over to Sue to edit, and she sends it back with a whole slew of minor edits like "this just didn't read right" and so forth. Then she made a comment about how "I really didn't need to blow her horn so much" So I offered to remove the horn blowing parts. She said, "Well, no…go ahead and leave it in, we'll see how it reads..."
One of Sue's most favorite things to do was to occasionally get away to her vacation home in Big Bear. She said it made her feel closer to nature and she would tell me about the birds and the squirrels, the crisp bright mornings and the gorgeous sunsets. The times spent in Big Bear were especially loved when Sue's parents, sisters and brothers came up to join Sue and Dave and made it a family event.
Sue often told me that her husband Dave was her best friend. She loved to show visitors to her home, not only her precious dog pictures, but also her beloved pictures and stories of her and Dave together going back to some of their first dates. To be around the two of them together was always a treat because they would tell you a story that would bounce back and forth between the two of them as they recalled different parts and then the story would pull you in as they often finished each others sentences telling the same part.
As most of us know, Sue loved dogs. Over the years she had different breeds including poodles and Old English Sheepdogs, but her heart settled on Havanese after she got her first, whom she named Sparky. Sue loved showing her dogs in many different events, and she always showed her dogs herself. One of the things I'll always remember about Sue at a dog show, was her determination to win. She'd spend hours showing me how to properly present my own dog to win, but if we entered the ring together, to vie for the same judge, she'd get this utterly determined look on her face, and she'd turn to me and say, "I hope you do well, but I intend to win!" And she did win.....a lot!
Her philosophy about her dogs was simple. She had fun with them. You could see it in the dogs as they happily did whatever was asked of them and in the glow on Sue's face as she smiled in encouragement. No stress, just fun. Everything was a game which both Sue and her dogs enjoyed playing. She had the same philosophy about how she taught people to train their dogs. "Make it fun" she'd say, "And it will always be fun". Sue not only taught people and dogs the actual art of canine dancing, she taught people and their dogs how to dance with each other as partners in life.
If someone or their dog seemed a little nervous, Sue was right there with calming suggestions and more often than not, she'd spritz you or your dog with one of her herbal remedies which usually worked. Once, ……while at a show, I was feeling nervous and Sue didn't have her magic potion handy. So she tells me "You know, they preserve those remedies with alcohol....I use Vodka....I think that's why they work so well.....maybe you just need a drink?" The rest of that show went just fine.......
Sue was an amazing influence on the Havanese breed of dog and dogs in general. She was always delighted to share her tremendous knowledge and experience about anything dog related whether it involved suggesting an herbal remedy for a puppy with a tummy ache, or the best way to read the new Rally event training cards, Sue had the answers. She was also an outspoken proponent on the ethics and rights of people who show and breed dogs and was involved in fighting the anti-pet legislation that has been cropping up in Ca. and elsewhere. She was a major force in getting dog clubs, events and activities started in the area and helping others to do the same in their local areas.
You could always tell when Sue had arrived at a dog event, even if she was way off in the distance as she frequently had all five of her Havanese on leashes leading the way. Usually Buster and Sandy were in front, Tippy and Tina flanked her sides and Sparky......good old Sparky was busy stopping to count blades of grass trying to slow everyone down. He is, I have no doubt, the smartest of the bunch....
Sue loved magic and all things magical and she believed in God and miracles. She loved dogs and animals and people and Mary Kay make-up, and she always gave so much of herself in so many ways up to and including donating her blood every year for most of her adult life as her blood type was rare and helped save many, many people.
When Sue learned she had cancer, she chose to fight it with the amazing grace, defiant determination, sincere laughter and the utter triumph of spirit that was so much a part of her. She once sent me an email about her illness that ended with "Anyone who says only sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain" Sue could find the positive in anything.....
I would like to take this moment to especially recognize Linda Spencer, a truly wonderful and deeply caring friend of Sue's who was there for Sue for every step of the way through every challenge Sue faced with her illness. Whenever Sue had to confront an issue with her doctors, she would always tell me....."Don't worry, I'll be fine, I've got Linda with me." Linda, I know it's partly because of you that Sue was able to be with us as long as she was. Everyone is so very grateful for everything you were to her.
There's something rare and special about a person who always makes you feel good - without even trying. Sue was that person. Though the world has lost your beautiful soul, we will never lose what you brought to our lives. Grace, sunshine, spark, the ability to touch people without having to reach out - a simple understanding of hearts. There's nothing more refreshing than coming across such a person in your life - And nothing so appreciated as being able to call them your friend.
I started to build my Tribute to Sue today.