Mary E. "Betty" Nelson, 80, of Downsville, passed away Thursday morning, April 26, 2007 in Delaware Valley Hospital, Walton after a long illness.

Betty was born in Mineola, Long Island on October 18, 1926, the daughter of the late William and Elizabeth (Reilly) Breen. After graduation of high school she attended Hofstra University. Betty married Richard G. Nelson on April 11, 1953 at Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, Mineola, NY. The Nelsons moved to Cooperstown in 1957 and Downsville in 1959.

Betty was employed as an Administrative Assistant by the Delaware County ARC, Walton. She had been secretary of the Colchester Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Democratic Club serving as committee person for many years. She was a leader of the Delaware Co. Mounted Drill Team 4H which were state champions several years, and also a leader of the Golden Riders 4H Club. She was also a faithful member of the Church of the Holy Family.

Betty is survived by her husband: Richard G. Nelson and five sons: William G. (Janet Lee) Nelson of Eudora, Arkansas, James R. (Nadine) Nelson of Shinhopple, NY, and Timothy Wayne Nelson, Stanley R. (Rosemary) Nelson, and David E. Nelson, all of Downsville, NY.;

four brothers: William Breen of Cutchogue, NY, Edward Breen of Wallingford, Connecticut, Bernard Breen of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Michael Breen of Lees Summit, Missouri. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Billy, Becky, Cole & Shannon and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by two sisters, Eileen Lowell and Barbara Duff.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 28, 2007 at 11 AM at the Church of The Holy Family, Maple Avenue, Downsville, with the Rev. Edward Ryan officiating. There are no calling hours.

Funeral arrangements are by the Clark, Winter & Courtney Funeral Home, Walton.

Memorial donations may be made to Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820 or the Church of the Holy Family, Maple Avenue, Downsville, NY 13755