Kay J. Nelson

Passed away surrounded by family at the age of 81.  In 1958, Mrs. Nelson, along with her husband, Philip, founded Philip E. Nelson Jeweler, Inc. in Brownsburg, IN.  Kay retired in 1998 to Florida, for fun in the sun and on the water with her husband Phil.  She was involved in various professional organizations, including The American Gem Society and Indiana Jewelers Association-which voted her the first woman to win the Indiana Jewelers Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.  Kay was a fan of the arts, dogs-big or small, pure or mixed breed, she loved them all.  Kay especially loved the water, swimming pools, lakes, and the ocean.  Her happiest days were spent in a swimsuit.  The passion for the water was one that she passed to her children.  Kay's kindness was reflected by her volunteer work at Joanne's House at Hope Hospice in Bonita Springs, FL with her service dog Sami brightening the days of all they came in contact with.  Visitation will be at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg, on Friday, March 9 from 4-7 pm.  She is survived by her sons Jeffrey (Ginger) of Indianapolis, Jay (Robin) of Pittsboro, Philip (Sue) of Sachse, TX, and daughter Stephanie (John) of Appleton, WI; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren; brother Tom Sheets (Betty) and four nephews, of Crawfordsville.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to 4 Paws For Ability at www.4pawsforability.org or NCH Safe and Healthy Kids Coalition at www.safehealthychildren.org