Frances D. (Fran) (Matthews) Nelson

Cambridge-Frances (Fran) D. Matthews Nelson, 88, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs after a long illness.  Born February 1, 1933 in Bellrose, Long Island, NY, she was the daughter of the late John T. and Ada (Palmero) Matthews, Sr.

She was pre-deceased by her loving and caring husband of 54 years, John L. Nelson, two siblings, John T. Matthews, Jr. and Mildred Slenzak as well as a daughter, Wendy (Nelson) Kenyon. 

She is survived by her eldest daughter, Dale Ann (Skip) Bates; a son, John E. Nelson; five grandchildren, Shawn Bates, Michael Bates, Helen Kenyon, John M. Nelson, Baylee G. Nelson and a great granddaughter, Mya.

Her presence in life was larger than her stature. She attended church at the New Skete Monastery in Cambridge.   In her younger days she enjoyed road trips with her husband, sewing, crocheting, playing card games and Pollyanna with her family, relaxing on her porch, reading, and her annual Christmas cookie baking marathon with her daughter.  She enjoyed collecting rooster figurines; and was an excellent marksman with a .22.  She raised goats and loved her pets.

Fran worked as a head bank teller at Baldwin Bellmore Federal Credit Union while she was living on Long Island and then later as a teller at the TCT Federal Credit Union in Cambridge.  

A private service will be held for the family at Woodlands Cemetery in Cambridge.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in her memory to the Cambridge Rescue Squad, 37 Gilbert St., Cambridge, NY  12816, the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY  12110, New Skete Monastery, P.O. Box 128, Cambridge, NY  12816 or to a charity of one's choice.

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