Clara Nelson Obituary (1917 - 2011)

HAVERHILL, Mass. - Clara A. Nelson, 94, passed away Nov. 25, 2011. She was born Jan. 4, 1917, in Bangor, the daughter of Charles and Grace (Gott) McKay. Clara grew up in West Enfield and attended Higgins and Beals College. She was one of the oldest living graduates of Beals College. She spent the majority of her life living in Haverhill, Mass., where she worked and contributed to her community. She was very successful in all that she did, and she excelled at banking. At the age of 65, she retired from Bank of America but continued to work for the Internal Revenue Service until she was 70. Clara's passion was her family, especially her grandchildren. She cherished her friends and was a great friend to many. She lived life to the fullest and on her own terms. Clara is survived by her two daughters, Betsy Tannian of Bangor and Kathy "Kat" Nelson of Indian Island; her grandchildren, Michael Tannian Jr. of Haverhill, Mass., and Kathleen Blais of Hampton, N.H.; great-grandchildren, Nicole and Drew Verrier, both of Hampton, N.H.; and her special nephew, Terrance Cummings of Oxford, Mass. Along with her parents, Clara was predeceased by her husband, John W. Nelson of Indian Island; grandson, Scott C. Tannian; her sister, Grace Cummings; and a brother-in-law, Albert Osgood Cummings. The family thanks the staff at Dr. Eunice Nelson-Baumann assisted living facility for their compassion and care. Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. A graveside service will be 1 p.m. Dec. 3 at New Cemetery, Indian Island. In lieu of flowers, donations in Clara's honor may be made to a charity of one's choice . Notes of condolence may be left at www.birminghamfuneralhome.com.