Mary Margaret Nelson

Mary M. Benacci Nelson, age 77, passed away peacefully at her home on March 12, 2026. She was born on January 14, 1949 in Erie, a daughter of the late Joseph C. and Mae Reine (Felix) Benacci.
Mary attended Rosevelt Jr. High School and was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School, Class of 1967, where she was the co-captain of the Cheerleading Squad and developed many lifelong friendships. Following high school, she married the love of her life, David Nelson, on August 31, 1968 at Saint Paul Church in Erie. In addition to being a homemaker, she worked as a secretary at McQuiston Insurance Agency before beginning her own business in partnership with Quality Markets, performing charitable organization fundraisers in the Erie area.
Mary was the heart of her family. She loved bringing people together - especially for her famous Sunday dinners. Meals that were never just about the food, they were about sharing stories, laughter, and making everyone feel welcome at the table. She also loved celebrating the holidays and the family traditions that surrounded them. She was an exceptional gardener and loved traveling to Florida and Hilton Head with her husband David and their friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David Nelson; her mother and father-in-law, Rexford and Dorothy Nelson; and her brother-in-law, John C. Nelson.
She is survived by her two sons, Jon (Jennifer) Nelson and Robert Nelson; grandchildren, Jacob Nelson, Lauryn and Ryleigh Robie; sister, Nancy (Michael) Cox; brothers, Robert J. Benacci and Joseph (Sandy) Benacci; niece, Alex Benacci; nephews, Tim (Jen) Benacci and Matt (Allison) Benacci; great-nieces and nephews, Ryan, Will, Trevor, and Taylor Benacci. She is also survived by her lifelong friend groups, the Bimbalinas, the Jamestown crew, and her Saddlewood neighbors.
Friends may call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, 2122 Raspberry Street, on Sunday, March 15, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and are invited to a Funeral Mass at Saint Paul Catholic Church, 1617 Walnut Street, on Monday, March 16, at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).
Mary's family would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank You" to her caregivers from UPMC Hospice, Savannah, Melanie, and Danielle.