Marie Nelson, 80, Lewiston

Marie Nelson, affectionately known as "Gramma Rie," passed away December 6, 2007, at Deaconess Medical Center in Spokane, Washington. Marie was born June 9, 1927, in Stanfield, Oregon, daughter of Velma "Ami" Tenny.

Marie met her future husband, Henry, while working at a family-owned farm. They were married April 24, 1944, and together had five wonderful children.

Marie and Henry together began their sewing business in 1949 in Pendleton, Oregon. In 1957 they moved to Lewiston and purchased the Necchi-Elna sewing machine store. Marie's love of fabric was a perfect fit with the sewing machine business, which helped expand the business in 1961. Marie was a pioneer in the sewing industry. She taught sewing lessons to generations of family sewers and especially loved to teach women tailoring and fashion. Her classes were held at her store as well as on local live TV, a first in the area. She was instrumental in starting the Seaport Quilters Guild and was a charter member. Marie held local and traveling fashion shows, often including her family, friends and valued employees showing off their home-sewn fashions. Marie was never afraid of new adventures, taking flying lessons in her 40s and swimming lessons in her 50s, which led to putting in a swimming pool where many family gatherings took place. Marie's love of Christmas began the family tradition of gathering at her house for Christmas Eve dinner. Family and friends would gather to eat her home-cooked meals, which included her famous breads and cinnamon rolls. She thoroughly enjoyed her Snow Village collection, which were gifts given to her over the years.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Velma (Ami) Mickle; brother, Virgil Tenny; sister, Betty Chandler; and great-granddaughter, Cinder Hagar.

She is survived by her husband, Henry (Hank); daughter, Linda Jones; and sons, Michael Nelson and wife Sandy, Patrick Nelson and wife Barbara, David Nelson and Stan Nelson and wife Helena; sister, Thelma Briggs and brothers, Lester, Fred and Eugene (Jeep) Tenny; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, with 3 soon-to-be; and many nieces and nephews.

We will all miss you.

A memorial service to celebrate Marie's life will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, December 10th, at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home, 1711 18th St. in Lewiston.