Rosemary (McGinness) Nelson

Rosemary (McGinness) Nelson passed peacefully in her sleep with family in Hopkins, Michigan at the age of 90 after a long battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Born on January 19, 1934, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she was the youngest of two daughters in a totally deaf household. Her father, John Colin McGinness, and mother, Marion (Payne) McGinness, raised their daughters in Grand Rapids and Wyoming, MI and Rosemary remained a life-long resident of West Michigan, living in Hudsonville for the past 50 years. In 1952, she graduated from the Michigan School for the Deaf in Flint, Michigan and began working at Wurzburg’s in Grand Rapids. She met Bill Nelson Sr., and they married in 1954. They eventually settled in Wyoming, MI in 1959 where they raised their four sons, Bill Jr., Al, Rick and Ken. She inherited the love of the outdoors from her father and spent as much time as she could in the sun and the water. She was a true crafter and sewer, making countless pieces for family and friends. Anyone who knew Rosie would describe her as VERY social. She loved spending time with family and friends and could spend hours on the video phone chatting up a storm.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill Sr.; her sister, Mildred; grandson, Zak; and Jenny, her cat, a faithful companion of many years. She is survived by her sons, Bill Jr. (Juli) Nelson of Hopkins, Al Nelson of Hopkins, Rick (Nikki) Nelson of White Cloud, Ken (Sheila) Nelson of Casnovia; 12 wonderful grandchildren; and 9 darling great-grandchildren. A special mention of Rosie’s three other “sons” (from other mothers), Dwayne Behrens, Ray Batts and Cal Zimmerman and to her very best friend, Rose Gelusha.

The family is planning the burial of her ashes later this spring in Coral, Michigan alongside her father, mother and sister.

A Memorial Celebration open house is planned for April 19, 2024, at Hager Park in Jenison from 3:30 to 7:30 pm in the Vanderlaan room in the Pavilion. In lieu of flowers, those planning on an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to Wings of Hope Hospice of Allegan County. A special thank you to the staff of Wings of Hope Hospice for the compassionate care they provided during the past several weeks.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rosemary (McGinness) Nelson, please visit our floral store.