Patricia Elizabeth Nelson

Patricia Elizabeth Mathews Nelson, 1947-2023

Patricia Elizabeth Mathews Nelson, age 75, passed away unexpectedly at home on February 13, 2023. She was born on May 19, 1947 to Robert Hugh Mathews and Joan Blaschke Mathews in Gary, Indiana, the fourth of ten children. She attended St. Luke’s Elementary School in Gary IN and Andrean High School in Merrillville IN. 

Patricia graduated from Rosary College in River Forest IL in 1969. She worked for the Social Security Administration for many years in Illinois and Maryland and was promoted to the position of Executive Officer based on her accomplishments. In 1990, she graduated from Walsh College in Michigan with an MSA degree and earned recognition as a Certified Internal Auditor. She then worked at the Internal Revenue Service until retirement.

Patricia is survived by her siblings: Joan Mathews McLellan, Charlene Mathews Jurgovan and spouse Richard Jurgovan, Nancy Mathews White, Julia Mathews McIntyre and spouse William McIntyre, Susan Mathews and spouse Wayne Brackett, Robert Mathews and spouse Kathryn LaTurner Mathews, John Mathews and partner Blanca Aranda, Kathleen Mathews, and Bernadette Mathews Schneider and spouse Andrew Schneider; numerous Mathews and Blaschke cousins; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. She was predeceased by her parents, brothers-in-law David P. McLellan and Leo F. White, nephew Zachariah L. Schneider, and niece Melissa L. Mathews.

Patty loved art, music, sailing, the Cubs, and the Bears. She enjoyed decorating her home with carefully curated items that brought her joy. She focused her life on hard work, integrity, and compassion, and lived her life on her own terms. Her passing leaves a hole in the family that cannot be filled.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia Elizabeth Nelson, please visit our floral store.