Mary Lee Nelson

Portage, Indiana

Mary Lee Nelson, age 89, a longtime resident of Portage and recently of Bridgman, Michigan, passed away on Monday, March 12, 2012. She was born on February 21, 1923 in Augusta, Georgia, the daughter of Joe and Nanny Lou Bridges. Mary worked as a bus aide for the Calumet Bus System and the Broken Arrow Bus. Mary was a member of the First Apostolic Church in Bridgman and formerly of the United Pentecostal Church in Portage. She enjoyed taking care of her family and was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a friend to all.

Mary is survived by her loving family; daughter Joni (Reverend David) Coban, Bridgman, Michigan, step-son David (Cindy) Nelson, Saint Joseph, Michigan, grandchildren David (Chris) Coban, Valparaiso, and William (Lori) Coban, Portage, great-grandchildren Stephanie (David) Jablonski, Michael (Eileen) Coban, Jessica Rhoda, Drew (Jordan) Coban, Bailey Coban, great-great-grandchildren Christian Ezra, Leah, and Sadie, her dear sister Eulaween Sauls, hers sisters Margaret Duffie, Luvita Crosby, Deloris Shoup, Doris Lanter, and Barbara Bowers, and other loving family and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John Falls, her husband Harry Lancaster, her husband Ophus Nelson, stepson Jerry Nelson, step daughter-in-law Janie Nelson, four brothers, and five sisters.

A visitation for Mary Nelson will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at Rees Funeral Home – Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage. A funeral for Mary Nelson will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at Rees Funeral Home with Reverend David Coban, officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Portage. Memorials in Mary's memory may be made to the First Apostolic Church of Bridgman, Michigan. For further information please call Rees Funeral Home at (219) 762-3013 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com