Merlyn-Anne Nelson was born in Highland Park August 21, 1928, the daughter of Archibald and Anne (Purcell) Nelson. She was a member of St. Rita Parish in Detroit at the time of her entrance into the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Josephon July 1, 1949. She received the name Sr. Rose Gemma at her reception on Jan. 3, 1950, but she later returned to her baptismal name. She pronounced first vows on Jan. 3, 1952 and final vows on Jan. 3, 1955.
Sr. Nelson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in music from Nazareth College and a Master of Arts degree in elementary education from the University of Notre Dame.
She taught in the schools of the congregation including St. Joan of Arc, St. Clair Shores; St. Augustine, Kalamazoo and St. Mark, Warren. In 1974 she transitioned into the Detroit Public School System and remained as a teacher in that system for the next 18 years.
In 1992 she moved toNazareth Center where she did secretarial work and volunteered at Fontbonne Manor and Nazareth Center as a medical on-call driver. She also used her musical talent by playing the organ for liturgical services. In 2007 it was necessary for Sr. Merlyn-Anne to retire due to health problems.
She is survived by nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass was to be celebrated Thursday, Nov. 2, in Holy Family Chapel, Nazareth, near Kalamazoo, followed by interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery at Nazareth.
Memorials to Congregation of St. Joseph,3427 Gull Road, P.O. Box 29, Nazareth 49074.
