Joy Nelson Obituary

Nelson

Marlene "Joy" Nelson

October 1, 1940

July 22, 2021



Joy Nelson passed away peacefully at home at age 80 on July 22, 2021 under hospice care after a long incapacitating illness.

Joy's life began on October 1, 1940. She grew up in Fullerton, North Dakota and graduated from Fullerton High School. Joy was part of a large family of Pearl and Curvy Ulmer, with five brothers and three sisters.

The four "Joy's Hallmark" stores in Bismarck and Jamestown, N.D were owned by Joy and her first husband Douglas Helm with whom she had two children, Scott and Nori. Joy's exquisite attention to aesthetics gave the stores a notable decor.

Joy moved to Manitou Springs in 1995, where she and her husband Jerry Nelson enjoyed the quaint town and their neighborhood. With the Garden of the Gods in the backyard, Joy enjoyed biking and hiking the trails in the surrounding area. As they remodeled their home, Joy and Jerry were gracious hosts to family and friends. At home (Joy's palette), she applied her artistic skills to unique decorating and flower gardening.

Caring for her home and family was the focal point of Joy's life. She was a fabulous chef and baker, known for her attention to making food beautiful. She was an artist who had a deep appreciation for the quiet, the unique, and the unusual. Joy's distinctive artistry reflected her own graceful and appreciative spirit and character. She will be greatly missed.

Joy was preceded in death by her son, Scott, parents Pearl and Curvy Ulmer, and brothers Sidney, Dale, Bob, and Dick. She is survived by her husband Jerry Nelson and her daughter Nori; step-son Mike Nelson, his wife Danielle and children Seth, Kera, and Kate; brother Wayne Ulmer, and sisters Kay Milbrandt, Diann Wittig and Lisa Ulmer.

There will be a Celebration of Life held August 5th at 2:00 P.M. at Garden of the Gods Trading Post.

324 Beckers Lane Manitou Springs, CO. 80829. Use the additional parking lot on the west side of the Trading Post.