1944 – 2015

AUBURN — Sandra Brann Nelson, 70, of East Dixfield, passed away at the Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice in Auburn on Saturday, Jan. 17, with her loving children by her side after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on May 21, 1944, in Farmington, the daughter of Lauriston and Jeanne (Coolidge) Brann of East Wilton. She was educated in the schools of East Wilton and graduated from the Wilton Academy in the Class of 1962. Sandra married her high school sweetheart, Richard Nelson of Wilton, on June 27, 1964, at the East Wilton Baptist Church.

In addition to being a full-time homemaker, she also worked outside the home as church secretary and collector of the Wilton First Congregational Church, as librarian for the Wilton Free Public Library and the Wilson Lake Country Club. She enjoyed spending time with family, knitting and reading. She made hundreds of pairs of mittens, hats, sweaters, afghans and prayer shawls, which she donated to local charities, always insisting on remaining anonymous.

She is survived by her daughter, Becky Nelson and companion, Randy Oliver, of East Dixfield; her son, Rick Nelson and wife, JoEllen, of Buxton; brothers, Terry Brann and wife, Sherrill, of Wilton, and Bruce Brann and wife, Gayle, of Brunswick; sister-in-law, Joyce Palmer of Norway; her grandchildren, Justyn Judkins and fiancee, Erica Kidd, of Freeport, and Joey Thibodeau and wife, Jennifer, of Windham; her grandchildren Sadie Dyer and Bella Thibodeau; niece and nephews; and special friends, Gloria Nile and Vaughan Gagne.

She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Nelson; father, Lauriston Brann; her brother, Barry Brann; father-in-law, Manley Nelson; mother-in-law, Blanche Nelson; and brother-in-law, Kurt Palmer.

The family wishes to thank all of the wonderful, loving staff of the Hospice House for their support and care.

Condolences and tributes may be shared on her memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.