Laetitia Nelson Obituary

Laetitia Sandrine Nelson passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016 at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Marys Campus from complications of pneumonia, influenza and myotonic dystrophy.  Her Uncle and Aunt Dale and Ann Nelson were at her bedside at passing.
    Laetitia was born Feb. 25, 1981 in Christiansted, on the island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands to Larry E. Nelson and Lucile H. Nelson.  Larry was the son of Elmer and Delores Nelson of Rochester.    
    Laetitia graduated from Southwestern High School special needs program in Miami, Fla.  Upon the passing of her mother in 2009, Dale and Ann moved Laetitia to Lake City and assume guardianship of her.  Laetitia lived in an adult foster care facility, Great River Homes in Lake City.  She enjoyed watching her favorite movie, “The Sound of Music," coloring and reading to her house mates.  She always said “when I grow up I want to be an artist."  She worked (that is what she called it) at Wabasha County Developmental Achievement Center in Wabasha.  She was a member of the Aktion Club (Kiwanis International), enjoyed bowling, family gatherings with Ann’s family in Minnesota and going out for dinners with her uncle and aunt.  Laetitia’s mother was French and Laetitia also could speak French if prompted.
    Laetitia’s father, mother and sister, Lysandra of Miami, Fla. all preceded her in death.  Also preceding her in death were her mother’s twin sister, Isabelle Sunderlin of Orlando, Fla., grandparents, Elmer and Delores Nelson of Rochester and grandparents, Jean and Henriette Giovannoni of Paris France.
    Laetitia is survived by her guardians, Uncle and Aunt Dale and Ann Nelson of Lake City, Uncle Walter Sunderlin and cousins Celine Gasco and Russell Sunderlin of Orlando, Fla.  Also, aunt Carol N. Teske and cousins Laura Bowers and family of Morton, Ill. and Chris Teske of Berkeley, Calif.  Laetitia’s extended Minnesota family includes Barb Rinehart, OJ and Amber Rinehart and family, Sean and Nicole Edlund and family, and Joe Rinehart.
    A memorial service will be held at a later date in Lake City.  Inurnment will be in Miami, Fla. with her parents and sister.
    We want to give our sincere thanks to the Great River Homes staff and caregivers who provided a loving, caring environment for Laetitia and helped give her a great quality of life.
    In lieu of flowers, we would appreciate memorials to Great River Homes, Inc. greatriverhomesinc.org.
    Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes of Rochester are handling arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.