SOUTH NEW BERLIN – Doretta M. (Lewis) Nelson, 96, of South New Berlin, passed away peacefully on Jan. 15, 2008 at Chase Memorial Nursing Home, New Berlin.
Doretta was born Jan. 24, 1911 on a farm in the beautiful Unadilla Valley the daughter of Leon and Grace Daniels Lewis. She attended a one room school from grades 1-8 in Holmesville, and graduated from South New Berlin High School in 1927. She furthered her education in Morrisville, graduating with the Teacher Training Class of 1929. Her first teaching experience was in the Great Brook District. Following that, she taught for two years in the Utter District.
On Aug. 26, 1930, Doretta married Howard Gilbert Nelson. While raising their family, she worked in the Scintilla Plant during World War II and was the cafeteria manager for seven years at the South New Berlin Central School.
Following the death of her husband on Feb. 1, 1959, Doretta resumed her education, graduating from SUNY Oneonta in 1962. She then taught reading for New Berlin Central School until her retirement in 1979.
Doretta was a faithful lifetime member of the South New Berlin Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school and served on many committees. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Daughters of the American Revolution, of which she was Regent for seven years. She was also a member of the Chenango County and New York Retired Teachers Association.
Doretta had many interests over the years. Traveling took her to Norway and Europe visiting friends and throughout the U.S. visiting family. Her beautiful flowers and gardens were well known. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining. Her cookbook of favorite recipes is in the kitchen of all of her children and grandchildren. Skiing, hiking, bird watching, and collecting bird painting were some of her other interests. She was also an avid reader on many topics but especially enjoyed history.
Doretta loved her family and enjoyed being with them and doing for them. Yearly, on July 4, she planned a big family reunion topped off with homemade ice cream. Each family member cherishes the memoirs she wrote for them. She was a wonderful teacher and friend to all.
She is survived by five children; Jeanette Williams of Canastota; Joan Gould and husband Norman of Athens, Ga.; Nancy Batiste and husband Richard of Culpeper, Va.; Fred Nelson and wife Donna of South New Berlin, and Carol Holden of Geneva. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her parents; a sister, Mildred Harriett Lewis; son-in-law John Williams and sister-in-law Mae Thomsen.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the South New Berlin Baptist Church with Pastors Barry Davis and Kurt Funke officiating. Interment will be in the Fairview Cemetery, New Berlin.
Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of South New Berlin or the South New Berlin Fire Department.
Arrangements are by the Dakin Funeral Home LP, New Berlin.