Obituary of M. Jean Crouch Nelson

WATERLOO – M. Jean Crouch Nelson, 99, of Waterloo, NY, passed peacefully Tuesday (February 25, 2025) at Seneca Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The memorial service will be 10 a.m. Friday (March 7) at Seneca Community Church, 5738 NY-96, Romulus, NY. Spring burial will be at NYS Veterans Cemetery – Finger Lakes, Varick, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International, 25 California Dr., Buffalo, NY, 14221. Jean was born August 14, 1925, in Phelps, NY, the daughter of Gordon R. and M. Alice Lake Crouch. She was a 1942 graduate of Mynderse Academy in Seneca Falls, NY. Her early career she was employed with New York Telephone, in Seneca Falls, NY, and Sampson Naval Base. She met and married Edwin G. Nelson December 1, 1945 and celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in 2020. Jean and her husband, Edwin, owned and operated the Ye Olde Wood Shoppe Village from 1969 to 2007. She and her husband were co-founders of the Real Christmas Celebration in Waterloo. Jean lived her life of faith enjoying worship and fellowship at the Waterloo Baptist Church and many other churches, plus as a member of The Gideons International Auxiliary. One of her greatest joys was sharing her faith with those around her. She is survived by daughters Alyce Foster of Silver Spring, MD and Ruth (Jerry) Hayward of Waterloo, NY; son Paul (Amy Jo) Nelson of Romulus, NY; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother Paul Crouch of Phelps, NY; and many nieces and nephews. Jean was predeceased by her husband Edwin G. Nelson; son and daughter-in-law Roger and Sandy Nelson; daughter Joy Rothfuss; son-in-law Gary Foster; brother Glenn Crouch; sister Lee Elizabeth Schoen. The family wishes to express their great gratitude for the compassion and care given to Jean by the staff of Seneca Nursing Home and Rehabilitation.