Mary Ellen (Sizer) Nelson

Mary Ellen Nelson, 72, of Britt, Minn., passed away peacefully at Edgewood on January 3, 2026, following a courageous battle with metastatic lung cancer.

Mary was born on September 9, 1953, in Madelia, Minn., the daughter of Patrick and Shirley (Sutherland) Sizer. She grew up alongside her brothers on the family farm in St. James, Minn., where she graduated from high school in 1971.

On June 1, 1985, Mary was united in marriage to Roger Nelson at the Methodist Church in St. James. Together, they built a beautiful life in Britt. Mary found great joy in the simple pleasures of the outdoors; she loved going for walks, tending to her garden, camping, and snowmobiling. She was most at home sitting by a campfire with friends and family.

In her later years, Mary dedicated much of her time to the American Legion. After previously serving as the kitchen manager and bartender, she continued to serve as a devoted volunteer, notably organizing the Legion’s pasty making.

Mary is survived by her children: Shannon Sawatzky, Cody (Ashley Brownlee) Nelson, Patrick (Steph) Nelson, and Lindsay (Jay Del Caro) Nelson; her stepchildren: Jackie Deinhart, Gaylen Nelson, and Matt Nelson; and many beloved grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Todd Sizer and Scott (Marcia Poulson) Sizer; sister-in-law, Shiloy Schmidt; and brother-in-law, Richard (Debbie) Elness.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger; her parents, Patrick and Shirley Sizer; her parents-in-law, Lester and Pat Nelson; step-parent-in-law, Arnie Bishop; brother, Clay Sizer; and siblings-in-law, Clarice Sizer, Phyllis Elness, and Jeff Nelson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the American Legion in Virginia, Minn.

“For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” — Romans 5:10.