Carol H. Nelson

Carol H. Nelson, 71, Rockford, died at 12:05 p.m. Thursday, November 25, 2010 in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Born March 7, 1939 in Milwaukee, WI, daughter of Roy and Evelyn Hardenbrook Johnson . Graduated from Pulaski High School and Alverno College in Milwaukee and received her Master's Degree from Villanova University. Married Ronald B. Nelson in Milwaukee on December 23, 1961. Carol began her career teaching in the Milwaukee Public School System, then taught in Appleton, WI, She then taught in the main line town of Gladwyn, PA, a suburb of Philadelphia, at the Children's House, a private Montessori School. She and Ron lived in Bergamo, Italy from 1972-73 where Carol took Elementary AMI Montessori training. When they returned to Pennsylvania, she team taught the first elementary Montessori Program there, which she had established. She started the Montessori program in Rockford as an alternative program and was instrumental in expanding it through the years. She taught at Garrison, Henrietta and Lathrop schools as well as some time spent teaching at St. Rita School. She was a member of the Rockford Woman's Club and Delta Kappa Gamma. Following her retirement, she was one of the original people involved in the development of "Kid's Place" within the court system. Carol was a gentle, giving woman who never carried any anger. She was humble and a good listener with a contagious smile that could light up a room. Survivors include her husband, Ronald; sister-in-law, Jean (Raleigh) Bloch; nieces, Diana (Paul) Noreika and Julie (Bob) Astegher; grand-nieces and grand-nephews, Brian and Matthew Noreika, Karen (Brian) McGraw and Sarah Orloski; great-grand nephew, Jack McGraw; cousins and many good friends. Predeceased by her parents and step-parents, Jeanette (Neal) McClellan. A memorial celebration will be held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, December 5, 2010 in Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St. Carol and Ron's family and friends are invited to come share their thoughts and memories of Carol while enjoying refreshments that will be served. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a permanent scholarship fund for the training of Montessori teachers. Arrangements were completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com