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In Memoriam
Carmen Nelson
 

March 10, 2004--Carmen Louise Gueffroy Nelson, who formerly coordinated the student advisement center at UD, died Monday, March 8, surrounded by her family in her home.

Born in Washington, Mrs. Nelson spent her childhood moving with her father's ministry throughout Oregon, serving as church organist. Her love of books began early; her childhood home often served as the community library.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, Mrs. Nelson dedicated her life to libraries, education, community service and the vigorous pursuit of life.

In addition to her affiliation with UD, she taught at the Sanford School.

Mrs. Nelson was one of the well-known "Book Ends”--four women who were close friends and founding members of the Friends of the Newark Free Library. In 1981, she was appointed to the State Library Advisory Council helping pass legislation that tripled state funding for libraries. In 1985, she was honored with a Distinguished Service Citation from the Delaware Library Association.

Mrs. Nelson participated in the League of Woman Voters, AAUW, Great Decisions, Weed & Seed and Soup Group.

One week before she died, she and her husband, Jerry, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

She is survived by three children, Chere in Stockholm, Clark in Washington, D.C., and Gwyneth in Minneapolis; and five grandchildren, Caroline in Chicago, Scott in Denver, Julia in Washington, D.C., and Ross and Libby in Minneapolis.

A memorial service and musical celebration of Mrs. Nelson’s life will be held at 2:30 p.m., Friday, March 12, in Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church, 101 Old Kennett Rd., Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Friends of the Newark Free Library, P.O. Box 9965, Newark, DE 19714.