Obituary

Beverly Ann Nelson joined her beloved husband, Charles Robert Nelson, in heaven on July 2nd, 2012. Bev is survived by her children and their spouses: Jamie and Tom Copenhaver, Paul Peloso, and Sterling and Wendy Peloso. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, James & Barbara Nelson. Grandma Bev will always be adored by her eight grandchildren: Kirstin (Christensen), Garrett, Joseph and Annalise Copenhaver and Cameron, Isabelle, Maximillian and Domenica Peloso. Bev will be greatly missed by her nephews, cousins and many, many friends.

Bev was born in Huntington Park, California, on August 25, 1931 to Lyle and Dorothy Nelson. She remained in Huntington Park throughout her childhood, graduating from Huntington Park High School in 1948. In 1953, Bev married Raymond Peloso and they raised their three children for nearly two decades in Orange County, California.

Bev was gifted in design and she earned a degree in Interior Design from Woodbury College. Bev eventually owned her own design company and enjoyed a busy career as a popular interior designer throughout Southern California for over 25 years.

Though her career was important, Bev was committed to giving back and served as the President of the Mother Goose Guild of Children’s Hospital of Orange County. She also volunteered at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and was a member of National Charity League, Children’s Home Society Fullerton and the Republican Women of Orange County.

In 1980, Bev married the love of her life, Chuck Nelson. Bev considered her years in their Dana Point dream home overlooking the ocean, among the happiest years of her life. Bev and Chuck worked hard and played hard too, entertaining their friends and family, playing bridge, golf and tennis, gardening and traveling extensively. Bev continued her passion for community service with Chuck, with both becoming very active members in the Monarch Beach Rotary.

Following Chuck’s passing in 1999, Bev’s life became defined by her family and friends. She was a grandmother for over 25 years and greatly enjoyed spending time with her eight grandchildren. From soccer games to musical events, Grandma Bev was often on the field or in the audience. Throughout her life, Bev counted on the friendships of a close-knit group of incredible women who supported each other, through good times and bad, for nearly 75 years. They greatly helped Bev remain independent until the very end, when she passed away in her home in San Juan Capistrano. The family is grateful for their love and support.

Bev’s family and friends will celebrate her life on Monday, July 16, at a private ceremony and reception in Dana Point. For information, please contact Sterling Peloso at sterling.peloso@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Gloria Dei Church located at 33501 Stonehill Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629.