Shirley Nelson

Shirley M. Nelson, 97, of Bethlehem Township, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026. Born on October 21, 1928 in Saint Louis, Missouri, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Loretta (Fick) Nuernberg.

Shirley was cornerstone of a loving connected family. She supported and blessed her children, grandchildren and their children with unconditional love. Shirley will be dearly missed by her children, Richard J. Nelson and his wife, Solange, Mary Lisa Toolan and her husband, Deacon Mike Toolan, Carl W. Nelson and his wife, Erin, Stephen M. Nelson, and Suzanne Ocello and her husband, Frank, along with her 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

As a long-time member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Bethlehem, Shirley was deeply committed to her faith. In earlier days, she was a member of St. Lawrence the Martyr Church in Chester, New Jersey where she was an active participant in the Rosary Society.

Shirley worked as a librarian much of her life and obtained her Master's Degree in Library Science from St. Elizabeth College in Morristown, New Jersey.

Shirley loved her time with her family. In addition, she enjoyed traveling and playing bridge with her friends at the Palace Restaurant in Bethlehem, activities that brought her immense joy.

In addition to her parents, Shirley is preceded in death by her devoted husband of 62 years, Nimrod Richard Nelson; brother, Richard Nuernberg and sister, Mary Jean Rotile.

A viewing for family and friends will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 3219 Santee Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18020 with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 11 a.m. inside the church. Burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church: https://my-olph.org.