Gwendolyn Nelson

Passed away surrounded by her family following a long illness on, October 20, 2025 at the age of 70.

Predeceased by her husband of 34 years, Randal C. Nelson; her sister, Penny Reynolds; and her parents, James Edwin Reynolds and Eunice Kathleen Reynolds.

She is survived by her children, Brendan Nelson, Fiona Nelson, and Erik Nelson; siblings, Tony Reynolds, Becky Perry, and Abby Wilcher. She is also survived by in-laws Susan Bernacki, Catherine Nelson, Andrew Nelson, Julie Nelson, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gwendolyn was raised in Hyattsville, Maryland and attended Elizabeth Seton High School. She later earned her bachelor's degree in Journalism at the University of Maryland. Throughout her life, Gwendolyn was an avid reader and writer, publishing articles in The Daily Star as a photojournalist and contributing written works to several books. Gwendolyn also was a skilled fiber artist, and enjoyed weaving, quilting, and her involvement with the Weaver's Guild of Rochester.

Gwendolyn volunteered as a Girl Scout leader for many years, and as a Sunday school teacher at St. Anne's Church where she was an active member of the congregation for over three decades.

Gwendolyn was a devoted and loving mother who dedicated much of her life to nurturing and supporting her children (and cats).

Family will receive friends on Friday, October 31 from 12-2pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 6 Empire Blvd. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11am on Saturday, November 1 at Saint Anne Roman Catholic Church, 1600 Mt. Hope Ave.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gwendolyn's honor to Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road Fairport, NY 14450.

To share a memory of Gwendolyn or leave a special message for her family, visit the guest book below.