Throughout her life, Easter was a chance for her family to celebrate their religion, enjoy time together and wear a new, holiday outfit. It is a time to reflect on what one is grateful for, she said. <br /><br />This year, Easter falls on Nelson’s 90th birthday and she, once again, is celebrating in a new outfit. Instead of a sparkly dress or pastel shirt, Nelson is celebrating today in an Easter Bunny costume, traveling to retirement homes around the valley to spread joy and gift Krispy Kreme doughnuts. <br /><br />“I wanted to spend my birthday going to one of the nursing homes. If my energy holds out, I would love to put smiles on people’s faces,” Nelson said earlier this week. <br /><br />Nelson was born in Eureka and has lived in Montana all of her life, spending time in Kalispell, Whitefish and other places across the valley. <br /><br />Her caretaking career began at 13 years old, where she was a caregiver for a patient with Alzheimer's disease. From that point forward, Nelson has felt drawn to helping others, especially the elderly. <br /><br />She didn’t go to high school, rather studying at a business college for three months at 16 years old. After that, she worked for a Presbyterian church in Kalispell doing communications and shorthand. <br /><br />Her career also consisted of being a doctor’s assistant, a dental assistant and working at State Farm. But her favorite jobs, she said, have been spent with older folks, learning their rich histories.
