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Sue Elizabeth Aldrich Nelson, 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Onalaska, Washington, with her husband, daughter and her loyal Basset Hound, Rosie, by her side. Born Jan. 3, 1943, in Seattle to Clifford and Myrtle Aldrich, Sue graduated from Lincoln High School before life took her on a few detours that built the grit and humor she became known for.
Affectionately called Ms. Sue throughout the Onalaska community, she met and married David Nelson, who embraced fatherhood to her two children before they welcomed another together. For 59 years, Sue and Dave lived a life full of adventure — motorcycle rallies, bowling leagues, kids’ sports and community involvement wherever they landed. Work took them from Washington to Utah to Oklahoma, but Sue insisted on returning to the Northwest, where they eventually built their dream home in Onalaska.
Sue was a true jill of all trades: grocery checker, waitress, Avon lady, realtor, special needs support worker, feed store clerk, high school sports reporter and garden store employee. Her yard was her pride, a magazine-worthy garden created with her signature “just throw stuff around” style. She loved her beach house and clam digging — often with multiple changes of clothes so she could get her limit more than once.
A regular at all the local gathering spots, she made friends everywhere she went and loved her games, from bowling to bunco to Scrabble.
Sue was preceded in death by her daughter, Kimberley Nelson. She is survived by her husband, David Nelson; daughter Kristi Nelson Bridgman (Steve); grandchildren; and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local dog rescue or the Visiting Nurses Foundation.
