Obituary of Tamela Nelson

Tamela Jean Nelson passed away peacefully at her home in Lakewood, N.Y. on March 22, 2022 due to cardiovascular disease/ hypertension after many years of health problems. She was born on January 9, 1958 in Warren, PA. to Kathryn and Harry Nelson. She was preceded in death by her father Harry and baby sister Amy in 1964. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, Herb Rafalski in Pittsfield, PA. She was a talented writer, poet and loved to draw. She was full of laughter and humor. She graduated from Youngsville High School in 1976 and attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh with a degree in Fashion Merchandising. While in Pittsburgh she did some modeling. She traveled around Europe with several of her classmates. She lived in Jamestown, NY. working in fashion and then moved to Boston where she worked in many different positions from fashion, accounting and secretarial. Traveling all over New England was one of her greatest joys, especially with her sister. She later returned to Jamestown and worked at the Boys Club and for the school district. She is preceded in death by her parents Kathryn and Herb Rafalski, grandparents Gladys and Robert Leonard of Tionesta, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She is survived by her sister Brenda Nelson Roberts and husband Gene of Pinehurst NC and their children Katie and husband George Reiss of Greensboro NC and Cody Roberts of Sanford NC. Also, her stepbrother Ronnie Rafalski. She will be cremated and her ashes will be placed at Trinity Bible cemetery with her parents in Carthage NC where there will be a memorial service at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Riccardi’s Hubert Funeral Home. Send a condolence by visiting www.hubertfuneralhome.com