Dorothy Nelson

Dorothy Nelson

October 24, 1948 - December 30, 2025

Obituary

Dorothy Lynn Aardema Nelson was born on October 24, 1948, in Lansing, Michigan, to Martin Aardema and Mary Jessie LaRosa Aardema. Dorothy lived a life defined by love, kindness, and an unwavering joy for people, animals, and everyday moments. Dorothy spent many years living in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, places she cherished, before later making her home in Chiefland, Florida. There, she shared her remaining years with her beloved sister, Marty Jo Caputo. Marty Jo was far more than a sister—she was Dorothy's devoted caretaker, closest companion, and dear friend, providing her with constant love, care, and companionship. Dorothy was a proud and loving mother to her daughter, Carrie Nelson Brown, who was one of her greatest joys. The true light of her life was her granddaughter, Isabella Crain. Dorothy and Isabella shared a very special bond filled with love, laughter, and treasured moments that will forever be held close by those who knew them. Dorothy had a genuine love for life and people. She was known as a positive ray of sunshine, always bringing warmth and encouragement to those around her. She especially loved animals, with a deep affection for dogs—her own and anyone else's. A wagging tail and a friendly face never failed to make her smile. 


She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Mary Jessie Aardema; her brother, Robert Aardema; and her niece, Melissa Kunkel.

Dorothy is survived by her sister, Marty Jo Caputo; her daughter, Carrie Nelson Brown; her granddaughter, Isabella Crain; and her nieces, Sarah Warner Roy, Jessica (Aardema) Ackley, and Amy (Aardema) Jewell. She is also survived by her special friend, John Peebles, with whom she shared many years of companionship and adventure while enjoying life together in Florida.


In accordance with Dorothy's wishes, there will be no funeral service. She will be cremated, and her family will lovingly spread her ashes in the places she held closest to her heart: Curtis, Michigan; Cedar Key, Florida; and near her beloved dog, Chien. Dorothy will be remembered for her loving heart, her joyful spirit, and the deep connections she formed with those around her. Her kindness, laughter, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.


Arrangements are under the care and direction of Weems & Sons Funeral Home, 715 West Park Avenue, Chiefland, Florida 32626


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Dorothy
AN
A Memorial Tree was planted for Dorothy Lynn Nelson
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Weems & Sons Funeral Homes - Chiefland
KK
Kim Kulhawick
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I’m a friend of Marty Jo , Dorothy’s sister. I only met Dorothy a couple times but always heard good things about her. I’m so thankful that she Was with Marty Jo. They enjoyed living together and Marty Jo took very good care of her. I know those moments were very special for both of them.
RB
Roger and Rosie Bickleman
Other •
This tree will live on in your memory for years to come..you were a very special person to Roger and myself and will never forgotten. RIP Dorothy
RB
Roger/Rosie Bickleman
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Roger and I had gotten to know Dorothy and Marty Jo a few years. As special neighbors in Jemlands Subdision Chiefland Florida..where they lived and where we have spent the last 27 years in the winter months. Dorothy and Marty Jo became very close friends with us and very fast. They would come over to our home/yard for an enjoyable evening and telling stories along side a beautiful fire in our firepit. That is where we made many special memories with both Dorothy and Marty Jo. I know Marty Jo will continue to enjoy our fires with us..there will be tears for Dorothy and smiles for Marty Jo..ending with smiles had by all. Thank you Dorothy for being in our lives as a very special friend. Roger and Rosie
DG
Donna Gage
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I'll always remember our visits. Oh Dort imma miss you so much.
LR
Linda Rulison
Other •
“Back in the day” Dorothy and I spend a lot of time together from the time her family was living close to us and working on the “County Farm” in Charlotte Mi. (which was a place for “the elderly” to live and work doing the farm chores,) to being high school friends. After we graduated, we both continued to live in Charlotte. Dorothy was so “cool” as she had a “very cool” car at that time. One night when we were at the Hi Lo (a hang out restaurant) She caught the eye of my cousin, John, and his friends who were there, as well. A few days later he called me for her phone number. Well, the rest is history. They later became the proud parents of a little girl named Carrie. As time when by, Dorothy was busy being a mother and I was attending college. Even though our paths went in separate directions she and her family always had a connection with our family, At one point Dorothy and I both lived in the most north Peninsula in Upper Peninsula of Michigan and then Dorothy moved to the most southern peninsula, Florida. So while we were both still living on a peninsula we were literally living in opposite directions. Me … still in the Upper of Michigan and Dorothy still in the most southern peninsula …Florida, I have good memories of our time together and her family.

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