Delores V. Nelson, 79, of Burlington, passed away peacefully June 10, 2003, after dealing with an extended illness.

She was born in Nagrom, near Cle Elum, to Edward and Sonja Thompson. She was raised and schooled at Lester. She was preceded in death by her parents, her only sister, Beverly, and youngest son, Patrick Shearer.

Delores is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Jim, at their home in Burlington; sons Walter Shearer (Patti) of Sedro-Woolley, Chet Shearer of Phoenix, Ariz., and Rudy Shearer (Jayne) of Mount Vernon; daughter Hazel Welliver (Steve) of Oak Harbor; daughter-in-law Patti Shearer of Burlington, adopted son Edward Reed (Chris) of Redwood City, Calif.; step-children Teri Jokinen (Steve) of Springfield, Ore., Chris West (Roger) of Salem, Ore., and Ryan Nelson (Linda) of Tigard, Ore.; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She had been a resident of Skagit County since 1965.

She enjoyed outdoor activities, gardening, canning, family and her many friends. Delores never met a stranger. There will be a celebration of her life June 28, 2003, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Memorial Park on Pacific in Sedro-Woolley. Remembrances may be made to a favorite charity.