With her family by her side, Theresa M. Nelson was lifted up by Angels to her eternal rest on Saturday, January 15, 2011, reuniting with her husband Dick, and her mother and father. Mom saw that you were tired and gave you the loving gift of celebrating her 89th birthday in Heaven with her. Cousin Basil welcomed you playing his guitar and singing Irish/Newfie songs. Theresa was born in Utica, the daughter of Thomas and Mary Connolly McNamara on May 10, 1953. She was raised in Waterville and graduated from Waterville Central School in 1972. She was united in love with Richard D. (Dick) Nelson on July 28, 1973 in St. Bernard Church, Waterville. Dick and Theresa settled in West Winfield where they enjoyed gardening, feeding the birds, entertaining family and friends, and raising their beautiful daughter, Sandy. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard (Dick), who passed away September 7, 2002; three infant siblings, Patrick, and twins Charlene and Nelson; and her brother-in-law, Robert Moore. Our Theresa was blessed with the gift of creativity, whether it was, painting, knitting, crocheting, decorating cakes or teaching herself to play the guitar. Proud of her Irish/Newfoundland [Newfie] roots, it was reflected in her home, music and gifts to her family and friends. Cooking and baking were a source of great joy and comfort to her especially when shared with her loved ones. She had such an ability to view the world with child-like wonder. Stories and laughter would fill the room. Theresa loved her prayer cards, and she lovingly had one to share at a moment's notice with family, friends and strangers. Theresa is survived by her daughter Sandy Stelzer, son-in-law Edward, and cherished grandson Jack Morris of Clark Mills. Survivors also include her siblings, Loretta (Alan) Hiscock of Newfoundland, June Moore of Houston, TX, Thomas (Kathleen) McNamara of Waterville, Bruce McNamara of New York Mills, Kevin (Janet) McNamara of St. Petersburg, FL, Robert (Barbara) McNamara of Waterville, Christopher (Maribel) McNamara of San Antonio, TX, Gloria (Steven) Lollman of Waterville, Eleanor (Dr. David) Petrie of Waterville, and Barbara Jean (Frank) Manno of Ilion; many nieces,nephews and cousins; and special friends, Gayle Ladd, Rose Puglese, Charles Barrett, and "Mom" Betty Palaka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bernard's Church, Waterville. Spring Interment will be at Sauquoit Valley Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday, 2-4 and 7-9 at the Kloster-Northrop & Bentz Funeral Home, 210 E. Main St., Waterville. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the wonderful staff at the St. Luke's ICU for their compassionate care of Theresa, and to the crew of the Oriskany Falls Volunteer Ambulance for all of their care and outstanding service.