Loraine Milner Nelson - Walker Funeral Home

Loraine Milner Nelson (nee Mary Loraine Milner), 94, died on June 27, 2020 at Elk Ridge Assisted Living in Elk Ridge, UT. Viewing will be held on July 6, 2020 from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the Walker Family Funeral Home, 187 S. Main Street, Spanish Fork, UT and A Celebration of Life Ceremony will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at American Fork Cemetery, 26 West 600 N Street, American Fork, UT, shortly thereafter.

Loraine was born in Lomita, CA on December 15, 1925 to Jonathan Lumpkin Milner and Winifred Mae Weinheimer Milner. She grew up in Long Beach, CA. She attended Julliard School of Music in NYC, NY, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Concert Piano in 1948.

On September 4, 1948, Loraine married Kenneth Everett Nelson, of Homer, NY. They were then transferred to Colorado Springs with the Army. Together, they had six children: Janice Anne Nelson Santino (m. Warren Robert), Steven Kenneth Nelson (deceased), Edward Leon Nelson (m. Joanne Sundberg), Barbara Gail Nelson Armstrong Lee (m. Leon Leonard), William David Nelson (m. Kami Jenson), and Diane Kay Nelson Kingston (m. Lamont Richard). She is also survived by 31 grandchildren and 75 great-grandchildren.

Loraine became a single mother in 1959 in Los Angeles, CA. She returned to college at California State College in L.A., earning a Certificate in Primary Education. She taught school, gave private piano lessons (it was later discovered she taught some students for free if they could not afford to pay), and did temporary secretarial work to support her family. Her children remember her long nights spent awake to accomplish all that she did. They fondly enjoyed the privilege of falling to sleep while she played her favorite classical music pieces on the piano. She was never too busy for homework help or advice, and she took an active interest in her children’s and grandchildren’s activities throughout their lives as best she could.

Loraine had a 30-year career with the Los Angeles City School District, teaching kindergarten, second grade, and music. The final 10+ years, she was the traveling music teacher for five different Los Angeles inner-city elementary schools where she taught all orchestral instruments and choir. She was praised for the beautiful holiday performances she arranged for her schools.

Loraine became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1968. She loved her Savior, Jesus Christ, and devoted her life to Him. She served in many callings, mostly involving music, including organist, choir director, and often putting musical groups together. She also served as a gospel doctrine instructor, Relief Society president, senior missionary, temple worker, and visiting teacher/ministering sister. Her life was that of unselfish service to others.

She has been the anchor in the lives of all of her children, and we are blessed to have grown up with such a saintly and accomplished mother. We will always enjoy the legacy of love that was her very special gift to us.

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9 Condolences for Loraine Milner Nelson

Condolences(9)

Virginia and Jefferson Greenwood says

June 30, 2020 at 6:47 pm

With greatest sympathy at this time of loss. May the beautiful life of your mother continue to live in your hearts and memories. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Bill Goodwin says

June 30, 2020 at 7:52 pm

So many wonderful memories of this great lady. It’s been many years since I last saw her but I often think of her, especially when I sit down to play the piano. All my love and prayers go out to her family.

Teresa Davis Wojciechowski says

June 30, 2020 at 8:43 pm

A beautiful tribute to what sounds like an amazing woman. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers will be with your family during this difficult time.

REPLY
Toni Mitchell says
July 4, 2020 at 11:53 pm

I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting your sweet mother at the hotel in Payson when they were evacuated during the fire. I was able to be with her for a few hours and she played the piano beautifully and we both sang song after song after song. My mother was in the same care center for a while. Thank you for sharing your mother with me even if it was just for a day. What a great lady!

Doug McMillan says

July 1, 2020 at 4:55 pm

My memories of Sister Nelson were she was always patient with the choir I remember 1 time never heard praise to the man when she started playing it, it reminded me of Scotland the Brave, but want to send my condolences to the entire Nelson Family at this time of sorrow all of you had such a sweet mother

Terry Weinheimer says

July 6, 2020 at 4:42 am

While we saw little of each other as the years past, I have nothing but wonderful memories of my cousin Loraine. She was a giving person that cared immensely for others. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I am so sorry for your loss.

Bonnie Plucinik says

August 6, 2020 at 12:18 am

Loraine is a warm and wonderful woman and we missed her when she moved from Colorado. She always shared her talents with us and her infectious laugh frequently lifted our spirits . I look forward to seeing her again in the next world. We were blessed to know her.

Denise Garrett says

August 6, 2020 at 1:41 am

I loved Loraine so much. She served with me in Relief Society, and her compassion for the sisters and her passion for the gospel blessed so many lives. My deepest condolences for your loss and hope for a joyous reunion in the next life.

Connie Christian says

August 6, 2020 at 3:13 am

What a sweet lovely lady with such a kind heart. She blessed all of us in our third Ward family here in Colorado Springs with her amazing musical talents and devotion to spiritual aspects.

Loraine Milner Nelson December 15, 1925 - June 27, 2020

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9 Condolences for Loraine Milner Nelson