Obituary: Menlo Park Realtor, Wildlife Conservationist Dies

Patricia (Mrs. Philip S.) Nelson, whose work in wildlife conservation and the funding of promising scholars played an important role here and abroad, died on March 13, 2013 following a brief illness. She was 80 years old.

Mrs. Nelson was the last of three children born to Nellie and Webb Hatton of Bellingham, Washington. She attended schools in both Bellingham and Seattle before graduating from the University of Washington in 1954.

Pat, a long-time Bay Area realtor, married Philip Nelson, a former stockbroker, in 1976 and the couple made their homes in Menlo Park and Los Altos. Mr. Nelson, founder of Nelson Capital died in 2002.

Throughout her life Mrs. Nelson enjoyed many cultural activities: international travel, music and theatre, making cast jewelry, reading and literary events, and exploring the use of watercolors. She was a member of the Santa Clara County Watercolor Society. 

Mrs. Nelson is survived by Brooks and Marilynn Nelson of Los Altos; Leigh and Martin Alderson Smith of Rye, New York; and by Jo and Eric Rayl of Woodinville, Washington. Grandchildren include Darcy and Evan Nelson; Jim, Henry, Daniel, and Lucy Alderson Smith; and Johanna and Nelson Rayl. She also leaves nieces and nephews, primarily in Oregon and Washington, and a circle of beloved friends. She was preceded in death by siblings Don Hatton and Virginia Borgford.

Arrangements have been made with the Neptune Society. A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, April 7 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at The Forum, 23500 Cristo Rey Dr., Cupertino. Family and friends are invited to attend. 

The family suggests that any memorials be made to the Wildlife Conservation Network, 25745 Bassett Lane, Los Altos, CA 94022.

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