Mary Leona Nelson

A Devoted Mother, Wife, and Sister

Mary L. Nelson, a cherished wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 27, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She died of natural causes related to a medical condition, spending her final days at home, lovingly cared for by her eldest daughter, Stephanie Nelson, and her husband of 65 years, Ronald G. Nelson. Her son, David A. Nelson, was also by her side.

Mary was a passionate world traveler, lifelong reader, and devoted letter writer. As a young woman, she dreamed of moving to New York City to pursue a career in writing, and she followed that passion by studying English Literature at the University of Minnesota. It was there that she met the love of her life, Ron, and the two married on July 3, 1959.

Together, they raised three children-Stephanie, David, and Robert-and in 1968, the young family moved from Omaha, Nebraska, to Tripoli, Libya, where Ron pursued a career in the oil industry. With unwavering support, Mary encouraged Ron's professional aspirations and embraced the family's international adventures. Their youngest son, Robert J. Nelson, preceded her in death in January 2013.

Life in Tripoli offered unique opportunities for exploration. The family traveled frequently throughout Europe, and Mary and Ron spent their first summer abroad touring the continent-flying between capitals and driving through the countryside-while their children attended a summer camp in Switzerland. Mary often spoke fondly of these experiences, which sparked a lifelong love of culture and travel.

In 1969, the family found themselves amid the political upheaval of Muammar Gaddafi's rise to power following the overthrow of King Idris. Although they had originally left the United States in part to seek stability during a turbulent period in American history, they never imagined living through a coup d'état in their new home. Nevertheless, they remained in Libya for three more years before relocating to The Hague in the Netherlands for Ron's next assignment.

During their time in Europe, Mary pursued her interests in painting, art history, and languages, studying Dutch and French. She began painting in oils and watercolor while in Tripoli, learning under the guidance of renowned Libyan artist Baroudi, whose beachfront studio inspired many of Mary's seascapes and landscapes.

From 1974 to 1978, the family lived in St. John's Wood, London-just a stone's throw from Abbey Road. Mary cherished their years in London, where she continued her studies in the arts, traveled extensively, and immersed herself in the city's vibrant cultural scene. A favorite memory included frequent walks past Paul McCartney's home, where the family occasionally caught a glimpse of the musician. Ron once secured an autograph for their daughter Stephanie, a devoted Beatles fan. Mary especially thrived in London's many beautiful parks, and frequently walked in Regent's Park, Hyde Park, and Green Park with her friends and family.

Following their time in London, the family moved briefly to Houston before settling in Stavanger, Norway, where Ron contributed to pioneering work in North Sea oil development. Mary's support played an integral role in Ron's distinguished career, and her enthusiasm for travel and cultural exploration enriched the lives of their entire family. Their journey was later chronicled in Ron's self-published memoir, Hydrocarbon Man.

Mary will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, deep love for her family, artistic talent, and enduring passion for literature and learning. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the inspiration she offered through a life well-lived, marked by courage, curiosity, and kindness.

She is deeply missed and forever loved.