Submitted by: Dan Rich

Mary Ann Helen Nelson

March 3, 1927 - March 31, 1997

South Bend Tribune 4/24/1997

Mary Ann Helen Nelson, 70, died of an extended illness on March 31, 1997, at Memorial Hospital, South Bend, Ind. She was born Mary Ann Giantomas, the only daughter of Santina and Pasquale Giantomas, who preceded her in death. She was a lifelong South Bend resident. Mary Ann was a 1942 graduate of Saint Joseph's Grammar School and a 1946 graduate of the former Central High School, South Bend.

On Feb. 25, 1950, she married John C. Nelson, Sr., of Missouri, who survives her. She was the loving mother of John C. Nelson, Jr., (Melody) of South Bend and Patrick L. Nelson (Lisa) of Indianapolis, Ind. She was the beloved sister of Larry Giantomas of Milwaukee, Wis. She is further survived by four grandchildren, Ian, Graham, Emily and Kyleigh Nelson; two aunts, Helen Dominello of South Bend and Josephine Keeney of Tucson, Ariz. She is further survived by many cousins and close friends, including Rose Brezezinski, Louise Fletcher, Catherine Couch, Stella Hagle, Ruthie Day and Angie Campoli, and many others who were so kind to her during the years of her extended illness. Mary Ann was a lifelong member of Saint Joseph's Parish in South Bend and was a proud member of the Daughters of Isabella.

There was no visitation. A Memorial Mass was said for her at St. Joseph Church on April 5, followed by a reception in the parish hall. Memorial contributions for Mary Ann Nelson are welcomed and may be made to the St. Joseph County Hospice or to the Saint Joseph Parish/Grade School.

May Mary Ann rest in peace.