Born November 7, 1929 in Bradford, PA to the late Ruby (Shaner) and Archie Piper, she graduated from Bradford High School in 1947.  She attended Lasell College before transferring to Penn State University, where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 1952.

Eugenia (Jean) Piper Nelson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on July 20, 2023 at the age of 93. Her family was by her side at the Bradford Nursing Pavilion. 

She was teaching in Warren, PA, when she met the love of her life, Arvid R. Nelson, Jr. They were married on August 28, 1954 and spent the next 58 years in a wonderfully happy marriage.  Arvid proceeded her in death in 2011.

Jean smiled often, finding joy and comfort in the simple things in life. She loved to travel and explored abroad and throughout the USA with her family. On Sunday afternoons, she loved going on scenic drives, marveling at many beautiful sites in the area. Jean also enjoyed volunteering, reading, playing bridge, selling real estate and the companionship of many dogs throughout her life.

Jean loved her family and was blessed with wonderful relationships with her grandparents, parents, brother, and cousins that lasted a lifetime. She was most proud and devoted to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Jean never met a stranger she didn’t like.  She had a wealth of stories and memories to share with all.  

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother and best friend Richard S. Piper.  Jean was a loving mother to four children: Arvid (Angela) Nelson III, Carol (Patrick) Ryan, Stephen P. Nelson and Diane Nelson Ludwig, all of Bradford.  Jean loved being part of the lives of her four grandchildren: Zara (Mark) Shick, Krystle (Chad) Dillaman, Ian Ivancic, and Brock Nelson; and six great-grandchildren: Taryn, Hailey, and Nora Shick, and Regan, Landon, and Alayna Dillaman.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Women’s Literary Club, 41 Sullivan Rd., Bradford, PA  16701, the Bradford Area Public Library, 67 West Washington St., Bradford or the McKean County SPCA, P.O. Box 113, Bradford.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc. with a funeral service to immediately follow at 11:00 AM in the funeral home with the Rev. Brant Piper, officiating.

Private burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.  

Online Condolences can be expressed at www.maschofuneral.com.