No public services are planned for 40-year Felton resident Hildegard “Hildy” Nelson, 92, who died July 6 at her home in Felton.
Born to Ernst and Emmy Erbe in Kassel, Germany, she immigrated with her family to the United States in 1937, before World War II. They passed through the Panama Canal and settled in the Los Angeles area.
Mrs. Nelson worked more than 20 years for Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton. Fluent in several languages, she greeted guests from all over the world as they arrived, took them on nature hikes and accompanied them on the trains. She loved the resident geese, too.
Family said Mrs. Nelson had a great love for her family, nature, gardening and the creatures that visited her garden. She had friendships all over the word and would start writing Christmas cards well before Thanksgiving to ensure she didn’t miss anyone.
Family said she loved to entertain and would always serve a cup of coffee and a freshly baked cookie or slice of cake.
At Easter, she would craft elaborately decorated eggs and host large egg hunts in her garden for her grandchildren.
Mrs. Nelson was proud of the fact that she grew a dawn redwood tree from seed. The tree stands tall in her garden today.
She is survived by her daughter, Helga Boynton of Felton; 10 grandchildren and their families; and 14 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Al Nelson; son, Peter Aschwanden; stepson, Anthony Nelson; and sister, Ursula Hill.
A private family celebration of her life is planned at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. Nelson’s name may be sent to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066.
