Mary Constance (Brilhart) Nelson, 92, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2009, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. She was born on Jan. 21, 1917, in Shelby, the daughter of David M. and Bertha I. "Sara" (Bortner) Brilhart.

She was educated in Seattle and was a graduate of the University of Washington. Mary taught home economics and social studies at the Lewistown Junior High School until her retirement.

She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, the Lady Elks and the Women's Golf Association at the Lewistown Country Club, all in Lewistown. She was a longtime member and past president of the Sons of Norway Lodge.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold N. Nelson; her parents, David M. and Bertha I. "Sara" Brilhart; and a brother, Kenneth Brilhart.

A beloved mother, mother-in-law and grandmother, she is survived by her sons, Peter Nelson and wife, Carol, of Kalispell, and Kenneth Nelson and wife, Ardell, of Billings; and a daughter, Sara Nelson Knudsen, and husband, Harold, of Hickory, N.C. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Erik Knudsen of Hickory, Peter Knudsen of Greenville, S.C., Jennifer Nelson Rowlison and husband, Christopher, of Boise, Idaho, David Nelson of Bozeman, and Blake Nelson and Kyle Nelson, both of Billings, all of whom will miss the thousands of chocolate chip cookies Mary baked for them. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating Mary's life will be held at a later date in Lewistown.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the Immanuel Lutheran Home, 185 Crestline Ave., Kalispell, MT 59901; or to the Lewistown Public Library, 701 W. Main St., Lewistown, MT 59457.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Mary's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Mary's guest book.