Wilma Christine (Chapman) Nelson , 89, formerly of Stratford, died peacefully on Sunday, January 6, 2019, at Country-Village Genesis elder care in Lancaster after a lengthy illness with her loving daughters by her side.

Wilma was born on March 11, 1929, in Stratford Hollow, NH, a daughter of Leslie C. and Mary H.L. (Ball) Chapman. She was the oldest of five children.

Wilma was educated in the Stratford and Groveton Schools. Throughout her lifetime she worked at several different businesses including Merrimack Farms, Naugatuck Rubber Shop in CT, Groveton Paper Co.; S and W Market in Groveton and Attorney Paul Donovan's office in Lancaster.

She loved berry picking, making jams and jellies, canning, baking, fishing and hunting, she had a love for all animals. Wilma was a life member of the Groveton American Legion Auxiliary, the Loyal Order of the Moose and the NH Grange. She chaired many fundraisers for the Stratford and Stark Union Churches over the years. She was also the chairman of the 4th of July parade in Stratford and for two Halloween parties. She was a leader in the T.O.P.S. (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) Club.

Wilma is survived by her two daughters Charlotte Penney Calacci and husband Gary of Charlotte, VT and Esther M. Joyce of Rockport, MA, four grandchildren Anthony (Jessica), Eric (Annie), Matthew (Bridget), and Dr. Alicia Calacci, six great-grandsons AJ, Luke, Stashu, Chieftain, Brennan and Skylar. She is also survived by one brother Eugene Chapman and wife Carol of North Haverhill, NH, many nieces and nephews and a very special friend Pat Dumas.

Wilma was predeceased by her first husband Arthur K. Best in 1953, her second husband David N. Nelson in 2015 after 57 years of marriage, her parents, brother and sister-in-law Ralph and Pearl Chapman, sister and brother-in-law Norma and Stanley Borusiewicz, and brother Edward Chapman.

At Wilma's request, there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held in the Northumberland Cemetery on Friday, May 10, 2019 , at 1:00 pm. Arrangements are entrusted to the Armstrong-Charron Funeral Home in Groveton.

In lieu of flowers, Wilma requested memorial donations to be made in her memory to the Groveton American Legion Auxiliary, 758 Northside Rd.; Stark, NH 03582.