Louise Maria O’Brien Nelson

Louise Maria O’Brien Nelson, 77, of Martinsville, Virginia, transitioned to her heavenly home on Thursday, September 11, 2025. She was born on January 19, 1948, in Waterbury, Connecticut, to the late John Francis O’Brien and Louisa Maria Petro O’Brien.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas O’Brien.

Louise was of the Roman Catholic faith with a very giving, caring, and loving nature that was evidenced in her care of others. Louise was a 1969 graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Nursing, where she found her passion and love for helping others. Her career as a registered nurse spanned for forty-five years. She found the highlight of her career to be working in the Oncology Department of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. It was here that she cared for terminally ill patients who desired to donate their bodies to science. Louise spent time as a home health IV nurse, a health line nurse, and ultimately teaching at a nursing school in Falls Church, Virginia. She was an avid reader and loved gaining knowledge from books. She even tricked her son into reading at an early age.

Louise was gifted in helping others, but she found her greatest joy in being with her family. Her legacy of love and faith will long be remembered by those who loved and knew her. She is survived by her husband, Peter “Pete” Allen Nelson; sons, Peter M. Nelson (Tracy) and their child, Brinna; Thomas “Tommy” Nelson (Amy) and children, Annabelle, Halden and Haley; David “Dave” Nelson (Erica) and their child, Zinnia.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all family and friends for their show of love and condolences in this time of loss.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.wrightfuneralservices.net.