Candy Nelson

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 3, 2013 at the Reynolds Plantation Pavilion, Greensboro, Ga., for Carmella “Candy” Nelson, 73, formerly of Youngstown, Ohio. Candy passed away Monday, October 14 at her home at Lake Oconee., with husband Len by her side. A reception will follow at The Lake Club, Reynolds Plantation. Candy was born Dec. 31, 1939, in Youngstown, Ohio, graduated from South High School in 1958 and would later attend Youngstown College. Candy’s love of travel led her to accept a position with North Central Airlines in 1962. This began a career that lasted 35 years as a flight attendant to include Republic Airlines and ending with Northwest Airlines. Candy married Len Nelson on September 25, 1971, at the Carmelite Monastery in Youngstown, Ohio. This was a beginning of a very special union between the two that lasted 42 years. After retiring in 1997, Candy moved with her husband to Reynolds Plantation, a golfing and lake community located at Lake Oconee. Candy quickly became a volunteer for the local hospital and stayed there for 16 years doing various jobs such as working in OR, the gift shop etc. Candy also volunteered with Habit for Humanity for 12 years, where she was involved in all areas from serving on the board, home building and working at the store. She received her greatest pleasure from mentoring Latonya Andrews and Rose Martin with their new Habitat homes. She served on several committees at Plantation Ladies Club, the most recent one being the Sunshine Lady. She was an avid golfer and was a member of the 18 hole group and had recently joined the 9 holers. Candy was a member of Lake Oconee Community Church and Episcopal Church of the Redeemer and attended both on a regular basis. Candy’s love of friends combined with her love of food, led her to many wonderful times. Whether going out to dinner or hosting a Fourth of July party, Candy truly blossomed. Candy appreciated music with her favorite being 50’s and 60’s rock n roll music and she would take the opportunity to “dance the night away”. Candy will be remembered for her beautiful smile and disposition. She was always willing to help someone have a better life. She had an equal passion for animals with a dog named Buddy, two cats one named Sandy and one name Debbie. These little “fur critters” were her “fur children” as she loved them dearly. She was a wonderful wife, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, and friend who will be missed. She leaves to cherish her precious memory, her soul mate and husband, Len; her sister, Maryann Diorio of Boardman, Ohio; her brother, Nick (Lauren) Diorio of Hudson, Ohio; her niece, Annie (Tim) Blum of Columbus, Ohio; her nephew, Dr. Nicholas Diorio Jr. of Kent, Ohio, Brother in Law Bob Nelson of Delevan, Ohio, Niece Theresa (Charles)Nelson of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin., Nephew Bobby Nelson of Delafield, Wisconsin; as well as many cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Rose (Buttar) Diorio. The family would like to extend a sincere thanks to all of her friends, who provided comfort to Candy and Len during the last month. If friends desire, any donations may be given in Candy’s name to Habitat for Humanity, 1027 Greensboro Road, Eatonton, GA 31024.

Candy Nelson

December 31, 1939 - October 14, 2013