La Conner Weekly News - Your independent hometown award-winning newspaper

Arlene Denis Nelson, 91, of La Conner passed away October 1, 2016 at her home.

She was the daughter of Thomas P. and Myrtle Molsbarger Denis, born on July 15, 1925 in Burlington, one of six children. She graduated from Burlington-Edison High School in 1943.

During World War II, she worked in Seattle for the U.S. Navy Supply Department. Arlene married Robert W. Nelson in the Edison Catholic Church on April 11, 1947.

Their home was at Snee-Oosh Beach near La Conner, where she and Bob raised their five children. Arlene worked at Skagit Valley College business office from 1963 until 2001.

Arlene is survived by four daughters and a son, Debbie (Lance) Suit, Nancy (Glen) Edwards, Julie D. Nelson, Gary R. (Heike) Nelson and Barbara (John) Howlett; one sister, Jeanne (Dick) Jones; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Mary Clare Nelson; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Robert; her parents; three sisters and two brothers and great-grandson Drake Edwards.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 5, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Kern Funeral Home, 1122 S. 3rd Street, Mount Vernon. A Rosary will begin at the conclusion of the viewing at 7 p.m. A Catholic mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 6, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Conner, with a committal service, 11:30 a.m. at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Skagit County Historical Society, P.O. Box 818, La Conner, WA 98257 or the Friendship House, P.O. Box 517, Mount Vernon, Washington, 98273. Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home of Mount Vernon.