Susan Marie Nelson, born in Bloomington Minnesota, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, in Clermont, Florida surrounded by family and friends. A woman defined by her gentle spirit, deep grace, and unwavering Christian faith, Susan left an indelible mark of love on everyone blessed to know her. Her life was a beautiful reflection of God’s goodness, and the steadfast strength she drew from her belief served as a constant source of comfort and inspiration to her family.

Susan was a devoted Christian whose faith guided her through every season of life. She lived with a grace and kindness that reflected her deep belief in God's goodness and mercy. Her faith was not only a source of personal strength, but also a comfort to those around her. Known to all as kind, loving, patient, and faith-filled, these words beautifully describe the way she lived and the exact way she will always be remembered.

A dedicated professional, Susan brought her trademark warmth and joy to her career at Disney. She loved being part of creating magic for others, and the dedication and care she poured into her work reflected her natural desire to bring happiness to the world around her.

Susan was a devoted daughter, wife, stepmother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose entire life centered on family, faith, and community. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Raymond and Betty Holtz. Her legacy of love and kindness lives on through her husband, Gary Nelson, with whom she shared a beautiful life of partnership; her stepchildren, Anthony and Melissa Nelson; her beloved siblings, Terri, Michael, Thomas, and Karen; her treasured grandchildren, Chloe and Katie Nelson; and her adored great-grandson, Liam Perez. She is also survived by her dearly loved nieces and nephews, Chris, Amy, Jennifer, Kevin, Alex, Payton, and Jackson.

Susan treasured her family and church community, taking immense joy in simply spending time with those she loved. Whether gathered around the kitchen table, sharing stories, or enjoying the quiet warmth of one another's company, she cherished every moment that brought people together. Christmas was her absolute favorite holiday. She especially loved celebrating the season alongside her family and church community, creating beautiful memories that all who loved her will hold close forever.

Susan also possessed a rare, meticulous creativity. She was a gifted maker of handcrafted greeting cards—though calling them cards misses the point. Each one was a miniature work of art, layered with hours of careful detail, patience, and love. To receive a card from Susan was to hold a tangible piece of her heart in your hands; it was her unique way of whispering, "You matter to me."

Susan will be remembered always for her quiet dignity, her generous nature, and a life lived in service of love. She was a blessing to her family, her friends, and her community, and her memory will remain a guiding light for us all.

In lieu of flowers, Susan's family has requested that donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, her favorite charitable organization. More information can be found at https://www.stjude.org/