Frances Nelson

Long Beach resident Frances N. Nelson, 71, died March 19, 2008 in a local care center. Born July 13, 1936 in Chehalis, Washington, she was the daughter of Carl and Elsie (Butler) Thompson. Childhood years were in Chehalis and later Longview where she graduated from R. A. Long High School. In 1953 she married Lawrence Holgate who was then serving in the US Navy. Frances moved with him to southern California, living there until 1967. Later she returned to the Northwest. She and Lawrence divorced and in 1977 she married Lee Nelson and in 1981 moved permanently to the Peninsula. In 1960 she began her career with the United States Post Office. After moving to the Peninsula she worked at the Astoria post office and in a relief capacity at Peninsula post offices until retirement. Frances was an avid bowler at Hilltop Bowl in Ilwaco and she also enjoyed attending numerous bowling tournaments. She also actively participated in local pool and shuffleboard leagues. Clamming was eagerly anticipated and she had a unique knack at playing pull tabs and bingo. Frances also sewed costumes for the annual presentation of The Nutcracker in Astoria for a number of years. Frances is survived by her children Marty Holgate of West Yellowstone, Montana, Connie Hollis of Long Beach, Lawrence Daniel Holgate and wife Mary of St. Louis, Missouri, Larene Sully and husband Michael of Astoria and Teresa Holgate of Seattle; brother Paul Thompson of Sequim, WA; ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Six nieces and nephews also survive. Her husband Lee Nelson died in 1983. Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, April 1, 2008, 11 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Seaview. Arrangements are by Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, Long Beach, and the guestbook may be signed at www.penttilaschapel.com.