Mary Clare Nelson passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2021.

She was born in Mount Vernon on January 16, 1926, the daughter of Alfred Mozart and Stella Vivian (Dunlap) Nelson.

Mary Clare graduated from La Conner High School with the class of 1944.

She then went on to attend Washington State College in 1944 to 1945.

She attended the U of W 1946-1947 where she learned shorthand, typing and how to make a living.

After college she returned to La Conner to begin her life.

Her life’s trail took her on an adventure to San Francisco, and she enjoyed the city.

She then moved to Seattle and found a job as a secretary with Atlantic Richfield (then Arco and now British Petroleum).

She retired in 1985 from British Petroleum at Cherry Point.

After retirement she felt it was time for fun and traveling.

She drove around the United States and then toured all of Europe.

She also enjoyed golfing at Similk Beach Golf Course.

Mary Clare was a member the La Conner Billikens.

She is survived by four nieces, Debbie (Lance) Suit, Nancy (Glen) Edwards, Julie Nelson and Barbara (John) Howlett; one nephew, Gary (Heike) Nelson; numerous great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Robert Nelson and sister-in-law, Arlene Nelson, and Alfred “Babe” Nelson and great nephew, Drake Edwards.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the La Conner Regional Library, P.O. Box 370, La Conner, WA 98257 or the Skagit County Historical Society Museum, P.O. Box 818, La Conner, WA 98257.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 26, 2021, 1:00 PM at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.

You may share memories and send Mary Clare’s family condolences online at www.kernfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home of Mount Vernon.