Grace Nelson Reed
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Grace Nelson Reed, 89, passed away peacefully at her home with family by her side on August 1, 2021. As her children we will forever be grateful for the time spent with our mom following a series of strokes. She was sharp witted and beautiful through every breath.
As one of six children Grace had a meaningful impact on her youngest siblings while helping raise them. Her nurturing love of children continued when she became a kindergarten teacher and ultimately to lovingly raise all of us, her children Vicki Gaston Homuth, Gary Gaston (Karen), Jon Gaston (Kelly) and Scott Gaston. She often spoke with love and humor about how rewarding it was to have 4 children in 4.5 years. She and our dad (Harley Gaston) raised us in Indiana alongside many friends and families full of kids, dogs and fun. She cherished memories of our family at neighborhood cookouts, waterskiing from sunrise to sunset, cheering on school and club sports, and riding bikes, minibikes & lawnmowers around Edgewood Grove under her watchful eye.
Born and raised in Madison, WI, Grace was a proud University of Wisconsin alumna and a lifelong supporter of Badger athletics. She looked forward to Saturday afternoon football, attending many Big 10 games in Madison and Bloomington. Her love of sports extended to golf, college basketball and MLB's Chicago Cubs. In later years she often planned her day around live televised sporting events, cheering on her beloved Badgers and PGA heroes.
Grace and Buddy (George Reed) married in 1982 and had a wonderful life together full of adventure, travel and thoroughly enjoying each other's company. They made their home in Bloomington, IN and later Isles of Capri, FL where they golfed, fished and watched the dolphins play to their hearts' content. One of her greatest joys was watching a beautiful sunset over the Gulf of Mexico with Buddy by her side.
Grace was preceded in death by her husband George Reed, parents Russell A. and Elizabeth E. Nelson, stepmother Dorthea S. Nelson, sister Betsy N. Farrell, brother George A. Nelson and daughter-in-law Donetta V. Gaston.
Along with her children Grace is remembered lovingly by granddaughters Elizabeth, Emily, Ashley, Amanda, Alyssa, Tori, Jackie, Leanne and Melissa; great granddaughters Alayna and Aubry; siblings John Nelson, Cynthia Nelson and Russell C. Nelson; and many extended family members. For the love she was given, we are thankful to our entire family and to the many friends she made along the way in her Wisconsin, Indiana and Florida homes.
Grace will be interred with the Nelson family in Madison, WI (date to be determined). Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association.