Mary Nelson
Mary Nelson, 87, of Beaumont, died Thursday, October 2, 2025. She was born on October 4, 1937, in Beaumont, to Sibbie Parrish Ristoff and John Ristoff.
She graduated St. Anthony’s High School in 1956 and subsequently received her Nursing degree from Hotel Dieu in 1959. She then completed her bachelor’s degree from Lamar University as she always believed in education, not only for herself, but for her family as well.
Survivors include her son, John Nelson and his wife, Kathleen; and daughter, Jennifer Nelson Marrs and her husband, Scott; grandchildren, Alexandra, Morgan, Anne, David, Joseph and Konrad; and brother, Thomas Ristoff and his wife, Helen.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Sibbie and John Ristoff; husband, William G. Nelson, Jr.; and six siblings.
The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Dowlen Oaks, Three Oaks Hospice, and Calder Woods for their kindness and devotion to Mrs. Nelson’s care during her time of need.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77705, donate online, or Catholic Charities, 2780 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, Texas 77703, donate online.
A memorial mass for Mrs. Nelson will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 15, 2025, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2715 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A reception will follow the mass in St. Anne’s Parish Hall located next to the church.
Video
Memorial Mass
St. Anne Catholic Church
- 2715, Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX, 77702,
- November 15, 2025
- 10:00 am
John,
My sweet and spunky Mary. She kept me on my toes when she volunteered at CASA and made me laugh all the time. Gosh, I love her and praying for you and your sister that you have peace and know how much she loved both of you.
The Nelson family lived across the street from my parents, Mel and Chris French, for many years. My sister Susan French Castillo, played with John and Jennifer as young children. We were reminiscing about them just the other day and have very fond memories of that family. Asking God‘s comfort for the family in the days ahead.
The Nelson family lived across the street from my parents, Mel and Chris French, for many years. My sister Susan Castillo of Houston Texas, played with John and Jennifer when they were just very small kids. We we’re talking about them just the other day. We have very fond memories of that family. Our Lord’s blessings of comfort for all the family during the days ahead.
For the short time I’ve known her she was such a strong person and very caring . I developed a friendship that I really enjoyed having.Farwell my friend and may the family hold on to ALL the precious memories 💖
John, I’m so sorry to hear loss of your Beautiful Mother. May, she Rest in Peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family. I remember she made good lemon bars for office.
John and Jennifer, I am sorry to hear about your Mother. She was such a nice person and was a friend of our Mother’s. May she rest in peace.
John — I am so sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. Please know that you and your family are in my and Darlene’s thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
John & Jennifer,
My thoughts and prayers are with you both. Aunt Mary was a special person. Always asking about my parents and each of us when I would see her. I will miss her. I know that she is now in the presence of our Lord. Experiencing everlasting peace and joy.
God bless you,
Jim
Jim, thank you for your kind words. Your parents (especially your mom) were some of my mother’s closest friends. She had some of the best memories of them and of you, your brothers and sisters. John