Obituary of Elizabeth Kelton Nelson

Ms. Elizabeth (Betty) Nelson of Manchester, NJ passed away on June 29, 2016 at the age of 89. (Betty Previously lived in Boonton, Mountain Lakes, and Fair Haven, NJ). Betty was adopted by Martha and Frederick Thompson Jones three months after her birth on September 17, 1926 in Atlantic City, NJ. She was raised by her mother and her grandmother. She grew up in a loving home. Betty began studying dance and theatre when she was 8 years old. At the age of 15 she moved to NYC to play the character of “Mary” on the Henry Aldridge radio show. She went back to Linwood High School in NJ to graduate and then back to her favorite place in the world NYC. She completed two years at Hunter College while working as an actress and a runway model. She performed in many theatres across the country with various road and stock companies. Her most recent performing arts venture was “The Gingerbread Puppets” where she brought joy to many children and adults for 30 years. She retired from performing at 80 years old. She continued her artistic nature with artwork for her Sunday School children. An important part of Betty’s life was the “First Church of Christ, Scientist”. As a dedicated member of the Church since 1973, Betty served as a Reader, Sunday School Teacher, Reading Room Librarian, Sunday School Superintendent, and Member of the Board of Trustees. Betty was happily driving herself to both the Church and the Reading Room spreading love and joy to every one she encountered right up to the week she passed away. Betty played tennis all of her adult life. She stayed physically fit and would not consider leaving her house without lipstick, mascara, high heels and leopard prints. She always had her hair done and had glorious red curls up until the day she passed. Betty is survived by her daughter Susan E. Monteleone, her Son Paul E. Nelson, her son Richard W. Nelson, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. A service will be held at the “First Church of Christ Scientist”, 211 Broad Street, Red Bank, New Jersey, 07701 at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday July 10th, 2016. After the service, friends and family are invited to “The Dublin House”, 30 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, New Jersey, 07701 for a party to celebrate her life which is what she requested. The family is grateful for the condolence, but declines flowers, Donations would be welcomed to the “First Church of Christ, Scientist”.