Margaret Nelson, age 73 of Mitchell, died Tuesday, December 09, 2008 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Saturday December 13, 2008 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with burial at Calvary Cemetery in Mitchell. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 PM Friday at Holy Spirit Church with prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM. Services are under the direction of the Will Funeral Chapel. In Lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be directed to the American Cancer Society

Maggie was born on March 15, 1935 in Woonsocket, SD to Francis and Bertha (Ritter) Moran. She graduated from Woonsocket High School in 1953, where she was the first homecoming queen. Maggie then attended St. Joseph School of Nursing in Mitchell, SD and graduated in 1956. After graduation she became the head nurse of the surgical floor, at St. Joseph Hospital, later being promoted to director of nursing. Maggie remained director of nursing until she resigned in July of 1971 to marry Carney Nelson and became a mother to seven children.

Added to this union was one more precious daughter. Maggie, first and foremost a mother, one of the best in the world, she never lost her desire to care for other, after her children were grown she entered back into the nursing field by assisting as an OB charge nurse, during this time she assisted in the delivery of her namesake grand daughter Stephanie Margaret. Maggie also helped the elderly at the Storla Nursing Home, teaching and instructing nurse's aids to become certified.

Maggie was very involved volunteering with several different organizations such as Teddy Bear Treasures, Meals on Wheels, and Feed the Needy. She was a member of the Davison County America Cancer Society, Democratic Party Officer, Heart and Soul Cancer Walk, Holy Spirit Alter Society, Catholic Daughters, Lay Minister, Nursing Alumni Association. Last but not least she was Queen Mum of the Red Hat Club.

Maggie is survived by her husband Carney Nelson, her children, daughters: Laurie Nelson, Mitchell, SD; Ann Harless, Plankinton, SD; Mary (Donn) Johnson, Mitchell, SD; Melissa Dingler, Brandon, SD; Jennifer (James) Heidelberger, Brewster, MN. Her sons: Doug (Nancy) Nelson, Chamberlain, SD; Robert (Marsha) Nelson, San Antonio, TX; James (Amber) Nelson, Lake Andes, SD. 16 grandchildren: Jason (Sarah), Michael (Aaron), Jamie, Stephanie, Samantha, Brittney, Danielle, Elijah, Kellie (Chris), Kirsten, Kammi, Michelle, Mike, Josh, Kayla, Nelson, Maggie and our lovable Rudy. Also 3 great-grandchildren: Aiden, Taylor, and Kaleb. 6 sisters: Rose Moran, Woonsocket, SD; Pat Borgerding, Rolla, MO; Mary Carol Gere, Pierre, SD; Lynn Moran, Custer, SD; Lea Moran, Mitchell, SD; and Geraldine Moran, Mitchell, SD. 3 brothers: Dan Moran, Madison, SD; Jim Moran, Woonsocket, SD; and Larry Moran, Dell Rapids, SD.

Maggie was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, two brothers Matt and Tommy, and many aunts and uncles.