Dawn Joyce Nelson

Dawn Joyce Nelson (Olson) On Thursday, January 11, 2018, Dawn Nelson, loving wife, mother and sister passed away peacefully at their multi-generational family home in Saunderstown, RI at the age of 75. A native of Merrill, Wisconsin, Dawn attended the Bellin Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Green Bay, graduating as a Registered Nurse. Dawn also developed into an award winning Norwegian painting "rosemaling" artist, winning numerous accolades for her work in recent years. Dawn will forever be remembered by her husband and best friend Donald, whom she met at Bellin Hospital and married on August 31, 1963. Dawn and Donald had two children Brian (Lori) Nelson of Wausau, WI and Beth (Mark) Zell of Saunderstown, RI, and two grandchildren, Kelsey and Carson Zell, also of Saunderstown, RI. Dawn is also survived by her siblings Marlan "Ole" (Barbara) Olson of Silver Spring, MD; Wayne Olson of Custer, WI; LaVerne "Butch" (Joyce) Olson of Tigerton, WI; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members. The family would especially like to thank the caring staff at Kindred Hospice of Rhode Island. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Dawns name be directed to Kindred Hospice of RI (2374 Post Rd Suite 206, Warwick, RI 02886, https://www.kindredhealthcare.com/our-services/hospice/hospice-foundation/donate ) for the outstanding home care she received during her final months.