Lela Nell Nelson, 95, of Hartland, MI sadly passed away on February 23, 2024. She was born in the small country town of Dawson Springs, Kentucky. Nell was the eldest of five children born to Evelyn and Arnold Nelson who are deceased. After graduating from Charleston High School, Nell traveled to Detroit, Michigan to live with her aunt who owned a hair salon. Nell enrolled in beauty school and she too became a hairdresser. It was at beauty school that Nell met Fred Aversa, her future husband. They married and had two children, son Fred, and daughter Greta. After several years as a hairdresser, Nell decided to try a new career path as a department manager in a clothing retail store. Retail hours were not ideal and so again Nell started another career as an office manager for Detroit Coke Corporation, a manufacturer of minerals. After retiring from there, Nell kept busy with family, friends, church, and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
Nell enjoyed going to live theater, especially musicals. She also attended church regularly and participated in Bible study groups there. Nell loved to travel and meet new people. She could start a conversation with anyone. As part of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, she often went to the VA Hospital to play games with the sick and wounded soldiers. However, Nell's favorite activity was the time that she spent with family and friends.
Nell was predeceased by her husband Fred and her four younger siblings, Robert, Dorothy, Gayle, and Wayne. She is survived by son Fred (Colleen) Aversa, daughter Greta (Nick) Merandi, grandchildren Paul (Mandie) Merandi, David Merandi, Alyssa (Todd Lundsford) Merandi (great grandchildren Jenna and Vinny Merandi.
Gathering of family and friends on Friday, March 1, 2024 at St. John Catholic Church (the little church), 1991 N. Hacker Road, Howell, from 10:30 AM until Memorial Mass at 11:00 AM.