Denise Ann Nelson

After a valiant battle against pancreatic cancer, Denise Ann Nelson, 63, of Vicksburg, Michigan, passed away on May 31, 2016, surrounded by her beloved family in the comfort of her home and sanctuary. Denise was born on December 17, 1952 in Highland Park, MI to incredibly loving parents Robert and Barbara (Sayre) Nicholas. She was raised in Royal Oak, MI where she graduated from Kimball High School in 1971. After high school she attended college at Western Michigan University and Macomb Community College, completing a specialized program in the field of Law Enforcement. It was during her attendance at Western Michigan University, Denise met her future husband and lifelong companion, Greg Nelson. Greg was enamored by Denise's ability to be so caring, kind and beautiful, inside and out. After an endearing courtship, Denise married Greg on January 17, 1976. They remained happily married and nearly inseparable for 41 precious years. It was their love and unity that would create the greatest accomplishment of Denise's life, being a Mother and raising three wonderful children: Jeremy Nelson, born 1979, Nicholas Nelson, born 1985 and Kyle Nelson, born 1987. In addition to being an amazing wife and mother, Denise worked for the Kalamazoo County Bar Association and held the title of Executive Director for the past 25 years of her employment. Denise always displayed the highest level of intellect, commitment and unparalleled attention for detail and order. In acknowledgment of her unwavering dedication and service, the Kalamazoo County Bar association recently honored Denise with the highly esteemed, Liberty Bell Award. Denise enjoyed the simple things in life. Spending time at home with family and pets, reading, gardening, watching sitcoms and working on crossword puzzles. Denise will be remembered for the great love and compassion she had for her family. A humble woman with an incredible heart. A magical smile, a soft laugh and a witty sense of humor. She will be remembered in her husband's words as "absolutely the best person I've ever known". Denise was preceded in death by her loving father, Robert Nicholas and her dear brother, Danny Nicholas. Denise is survived by her spouse Greg Nelson of Vicksburg, MI; her sons Jeremy Nelson of Battle Creek, MI; Nick Nelson of Orchard Lake, MI; Kyle Nelson of Traverse City, MI; her Mother, Barbara Nicholas of Lake Orion, MI and her sister Darlene McChesney of Williamston, MI. At Denise's request, a private family memorial will take place at a later date. If you would like to express your condolences or share a special memory of Denise, please feel free to do so at: (www.avinkcremation.com) In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial donations be made to the Kalamazoo Humane Society in memory of Denise Nelson (www.kazoohumane.org).