Obituary of Henrietta Rebecca Nelson

Henrietta Rebecca Nelson was born on December 15, 1943 in Craig, Alaska. She passed away peacefully on October 26, 2008 in her Tacoma home, surrounded by her loving children. Henrietta was preceded in death by her parents Lester Nelson Sr. and Keala Marie Nelson and her sister Louetta Arlene Nelson. She was blessed with three children, Hans Joseph Schmitt (ex-wife Victoria), Yvonna Maria Schmitt, and Shawn Shanee Nelson Schmitt. Henrietta also enjoyed her five grandchildren, Isaac, Larissa, Joseph, Jonathan and Chayton, and two great-grandchildren, Javier and Angelica. Henrietta had eleven siblings, August Nelson, Lester Nelson Jr. (wife Shirley), Leslie Nelson, Teresa Ahrnkiel, Emil Nelson (wife Kim), Harry Nelson, June Durgan (husband Don), David Nelson (wife Tina) and Carolyn Nelson-Smith (husband Brent) and numerous nephews and nieces. She will also be missed by her life long friends Linda Edwin and Joan Marringer and a host of other close friends. Henrietta was known as "Big Momma" to all the kids she helped to raise (LaShae, Isaiah, Sierra, Jawuan, and Shalae). Henrietta was a Haida Alaskan Native. She had a love of sports and played them throughout her life. Her favorite team was the Seattle Sonics. She collected ladybugs and was an active member of the Deaf community. Henrietta had a big heart, a beautiful smile and a great sense of humor! She will be deeply missed. Special thanks to the Nelson Family, Pastor Ron Vignec, Peace Lutheran Church, Edwards Memorial, PTHA, TACID and the Interpreter. Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Paul Barnett MD, Nurse Courtney Rohleder, MultiCare Oncology, Franciscan Health Care and all of our friends and supporters in the Deaf community. Additional thanks to everyone who helped in making Henrietta's memorial service a special day: Nanette, Christina, Carolyn, Regina, Tiffany, Vicki W, and Joanna. In lieu of flowers, donations will be graciously accepted to help with final expenses. A reception will follow the service at Peace Lutheran Church, 2106 S. Cushman Ave, Tacoma 98405.