In loving memory of

Mary Elizabeth Nelson
September 17, 1947 - August 14, 2019

Mary E. Nelson, 71, of Delmar, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday morning, August 14, 2019, at her home in Delmar, Iowa.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating Mary's life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Saturday, August 17, 2019, at Evergreen Cemetery, Delmar, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Saturday, from 9:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Mary Elizabeth Heister was born on September 17, 1947 in Dubuque, Iowa, to Iliff and Edna (Wallroff) Heister. She was educated at Otter Creek Country School. Through the years she had worked various jobs including at Kwikway in Marion and the Decker House Hotel and Restaurant in Maquoketa. From 1986 to 2001 she had owned and operated Mary's Kitchen in Delmar, Iowa.

Mary enjoyed gardening, and cooking and baking. She enjoyed making Sunday dinners for friends and always enjoyed their company. She was known for making the best pies that tasted out of this world!

Those left to honor Mary's memory include her children, Patrick (Diane) McGovern of Anamosa, IA, and John (Denise) McGovern of Central City, IA; 6 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild; siblings, Bill (Martha) Heister, Morgan Heister, Roger Heister, Alberta Waller, Shirley Gartman and Maree Klein; special friend Jim McNamee with his girls and their families; and special friend Shirley "Granny" Weirup. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Hubert and Dick, and a daughter Brenda Heister.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Mary E. Nelson memorial fund has been established.

Online Condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Tributes

Angel Schiffer & Family wrote on Aug 18, 2019:

"To Mary's loved ones left behind . .it's been years, sadly, since I've seen Mary and talked with her. I always enjoyed her smile, her laugh, our conversations. I really liked Mary, she was so sweet and kind. I am saddened to read about her passing, but sure she is walking with our Lord and Savior and watching down upon you all. I'm sure she will be missed dearly. God's peace be with you all."

Denise wrote on Aug 17, 2019:

"I am saddened to hear about Mary?s passing. She will be missed, I enjoyed talking to her every time she came into Taco John?s. If I wasn?t up there taking her order she would always look for me in the kitchen and made sure to say hi. I will miss her. May she Rest In Peace. "

Katrina Weirup wrote on Aug 17, 2019:

"Shirley "Granny" Weirup is my grandmother. Mary was her best friend and felt like my second grandmother. She was always so sweet and hospitable when we come to town to visit. I remember one time walking into Grandma's house to be greeted with three full jars of cookies from Mary. They were delicious and all eaten by the end of the week. Mary was a kind, spunky, person and will be greaty missed and remembered. "

Denise wrote on Aug 17, 2019:

"I am so saddened to hear about Mary?s passing. I will miss her coming into Taco John?s. She would always come in and talk to me and if I wasn?t up there to take her order she would always look for me back in the kitchen. Last time she came through, she came through drive thru she was just getting out of the hospital that day and asked specifically for me. She always brightened my day and talked to me all the time. She was always asking about my family and wanted to make sure we were doing good. She was so happy that when my last daughter was born I named her Elizabeth and she told me that?s my middle name with a big ol smile. Mary will be missed, I love that lady. May she Rest In Peace. "

Nancy Spain wrote on Aug 17, 2019:

"Mary and I worked at Delwood School with the after school program. The kids loved her and she loved them. She always had a smile and a laugh to share. Sincere sympathy to her family and friends."

Diane Crist wrote on Aug 15, 2019:

"I am sorry to hear of Mary's passing. I worked for her in Delmar; she had a passion for what she did. I know that Brenda is waiting with open arms "

Diane Crist wrote on Aug 15, 2019:

"I am sorry to hear of Mary's passing. I was employed for her at Mary's Kitchen & she was a super cook & baker. I know Brenda will greet her in their heavenly home "

Felicia wrote on Aug 14, 2019:

"Mary was my first boss. I was a fifteen year old girl and she gave me some of the best memories. The work ethics I have all began because of her and how much she poured into her work. I will always remember her with great fondness. She will be greatly missed but also greatly remembered. "

Jeff and Cindy Turney wrote on Aug 14, 2019:

"Our deepest sympathy to Mary's family, Jim and Granny. Wal-mart will never be the same without her to keep us in line! She always made our day. Rest in peace now Mary."

Barbara Klossner wrote on Aug 14, 2019:

"Marry will be missed by many I enjoyed working for her for many years and she was a good friend to all my prayers are with the family "

Barb Merrick wrote on Aug 14, 2019:

"So sad to hear this. I always enjoyed our visiting with Mary and Jim at Wal-Mart. RIP Mary"