Obituary: Tokuko (Kato) Nelson

Tokuko (Kato) Nelson beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother passed away unexpectedly on April 30, 2012. She was born in Tokyo, Japan on June 5, 1934 to Sannajo Kato (father) and Kameyo Takahashi (mother). She married David Nelson on June 5, 1953 and they enjoyed 58 years together. They moved with their son to the United States in 1959. After David's retirement from the Air Force, Tokuko and David moved to Carson City where she was a resident for 32 years.

She was a selfless, tireless person who cared deeply for others. Tokuko, or June as some knew her, was a truly wonderful person to all who knew her. She enhanced all of our lives with her appreciation and enjoyment of life. She enjoyed delighting her family with her famous Japanese gyozas, tonkatsu, kare (curry), and azuki. Her cooking talents for both Japanese and American food were savored by her appreciative family and friends.

Her granddaughters recall that grandma was eager to make holidays spent around her memorable with thoughtful "treats" of all kinds. She truly enjoyed the company of her granddaughters and their laughter was contagious.

She loved to crochet, knit, and sew. She generously gifted her family with many of her pieces of work and made items for the Senior Center. They were labors of her love. Her granddaughter, Amanda, continues the crafting tradition after being inspired by grandma.

She is survived by her husband, David;, a son, Tony, granddaughters Amanda and Alexandra and great-grandchildren Alana, Alexa, Ammon, and Angelique. There are countless memories to recall and as we reflect on the times we shared with our wife, mom, grandmother, we know that Tokuko loved us unconditionally.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, May 7, 2012 at 2:00 pm at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Carson City. Arrangements entrusted to Walton's Chapel of the Valley. 775-882-4965