Theodora “Teddi” Nelson, 56, of Harrisonburg, passed away Sunday, September 13, 2009 at home after courageously battling pancreatic cancer for eight months.

            Teddi was born August 31, 1953 in a tiny village in Greece and was the daughter of the late Nick and surviving Vasiliki Bourikas.  She came to the United States in 1963 and her family settled in the Boston, Massachusetts area.  She was married to David P. Nelson on June 27, 1976 and they recently celebrated 33 years of blessed marriage.  She was a pre-school and kindergarten teacher for over 30 years, the last five at Fulks Run Elementary School.

            Teddi was a faithful and beloved member of Muhlenberg Lutheran Church and a leader in children’s ministries. 

            In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, The Rev. David P. Nelson, senior pastor of Muhlenberg Lutheran church: two sons, Timothy D. Nelson and his wife Jennifer Nelson of Lincoln, Nebraska, and James D. Nelson and his fiancé Laura Juiliano of Houston, TX; one sister, Paula Strouzas and her husband Fr. Dennis Strouzas of New Hampshire; and one brother, George Bourikas also of New Hampshire.  Among the many family members who mourn her passing is her father-in-law, Norman Nelson of Harrisonburg.

            Funeral services will be held at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church on Tuesday September 15, 2009 at 11:00 AM.  Bishop James Mauney and Pastor David Nelson will preside.  Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 9:00—11:00 AM at the church. 

            In lieu of flowers, Teddi has requested that gifts and memorials be given, in her name to the Muhlenberg Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. 

            Online condolences may be sent to the Nelson Family by visiting www.kygers.com.  Additional information regarding parking arrangements may also be found on the website. 

            Arrangements entrusted to the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. 

Green shaded areas 1-5 are for visitors who will be accompanying family to the cemetery.

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Dear Nelson Family, I want to let you know that we weep with you as you walk this incredibly painful journey of saying good by. We want to assure you of the Lord's help and presence as well as our love, sympathies, and prayers in the days ahead. May the precious memories of the yesterdays help sustain you though those difficult times of tomorrow. Sincerely, Margo Jantzi Margo Maust Jantzi 2009-09-14 02:51:03

For Teddi Into thy hands, O Lord, we commend the soul of thy servant Theodora, and beseech thee to grant her rest in the place of thy rest, where all thy blessed Saints repose, and where the light of thy countenance shineth forever. For thou art the Resurrection, and the Life, and the Repose of thy departed servants, O Christ our God, and unto thee we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Larry Gerst 2009-09-14 06:43:49

Dear Nelson Family, My wife and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time. Just know that she's in a better place and isn't suffering any more. Sincerely, George and Marilou Johnson George Johnson 2009-09-14 08:24:02

Dave, "Eternal rest grant her O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon her." Dave, June and I were out of town when we heard of Teddi's death. Though we will not be there in person for the funeral, we will hold you and your family in our prayers. God's blessings and peace, Bill Bill & June Nabers 2009-09-14 08:59:05

Dear Nelson Family, My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of great loss. May God bless you, Barbara Barbara Wine 2009-09-14 09:26:56

Dave, My heart aches for you and your family. Comfort, grace, and peace beyond all understanding be with you in this painful time through Christ Jesus. Meg Wightman Anonymous 2009-09-14 10:16:06

Dave & Norm, Teddi is at rest in our Lord's loving arms, and she will always be in our hearts. May God grant you both the peace that surpasses all understanding. "The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms" All our love, Kathy & Tommy Kathy & Tommy Thompson 2009-09-14 11:05:51

Dear Nelson Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mrs. Nelson was my son's teacher last year when she became sick. He really missed having her and I would just like to say that she was an outstanding teacher. She is loved very much and will sadly be missed. Sincerely, Jeremy, Laura and Tyler Rhodes Anonymous 2009-09-14 11:33:56

Dave - Words cannot adequately express our grief right now over the loss of Teddi. She so quickly became a part of the Muhlenburg family and will always be remembered as one of our own. Our love goes out to you and the boys, including Norm. Chuck and Jill May 2009-09-14 16:14:57

Dear Dave I've lost track of your email since I'm no longer a racquetball regular, but I'm deeply saddened by your loss. I've thought of you often having heard a short time ago that Teddi was losing her battle. My heart goes out to you. Sid Bland Sid Bland 2009-09-14 17:02:10

Dave & sons and Norm, We loved Teddi and will miss her quick smile and her grace. It breaks our heart that she has been taken from this world and from you. May your strong faith support you during this difficult time. Our love through Jesus Christ, Daille & Tom Daille & Tom Pettit 2009-09-14 17:03:32

Friends We were so saddened to hear of Mrs. Nelson's death. Our hearts go out to all of you & you will be in our prayers. Kathy(Nilsen);Charlie & Kyle D 2009-09-14 17:53:25

Love Pastor Dave and your family - we are so sorry to hear of Teddi's passing. We hope her love, God's love, and the love of your friends and family sustain you during this sad time. I have no more words, but my prayers are with you. Anne and Brett Tjaden 2009-09-14 18:16:53

Nelli: We are terribly sad to hear of your loss, and wish we could be there with you. Remember, "We measure life not by its length, but by its depth". With all our deepest sympathy. Dave and Mary Jane David and Mary Jane Pentkowski 2009-09-15 07:02:06

Pastor Dave, My prayers are with you and your family. May the knowledge that Teddi is at peace and with the Lord be of comfort to you and your family. Greg Moyers Greg Moyers 2009-09-15 09:55:20

Pastor Dave, My heart is very sad for you, Tim, James, your Dad, and the rest of your family. Teddi was such a wonderful person full of faith and courage. I join all of you in mourning the loss of Teddi and will keep everyone in my prayers. Love, Lisa Lisa Branner 2009-09-15 20:47:05

Today's Service Pastor Dave, Norm, Tim, & James: It was an honor to be at the wonderful service for Teddi. Even though I was in the overflow seating in the MAC, the celebration service of New Life was very moving. A very large number attending the service which says "alot" about Norm, Tim, James, you and Teddi. I could not attend visitation, commital, and meal but as soon as Brenda is well, we will have much time to visit and take care of each other. Our symathy and love to you, Norm, your sons and all your family members and all MLC members. Lee Lee K Branner 2009-09-15 21:06:25

Pastor Dave, Norm, Tim and James: We extend our love to you; we embrace you in support and care. In the coming days weeks and months we will journey together as a church family and we will be there for you. Our great hope, our only hope, lies in the Resurrection as the ultimate testimony of hope and love and meaning. Larry and Nancy Gerst 2009-09-16 06:15:15

Dear Dave & Family, We are so saddened to learn of Teddi's passing. She was a wonderful person and a cousin I was always so proud of. I remember the day her family arrived from Greece and we were all excited to meet them. Although we did not see each other much over the years Teddi an all of you were always in our thoughts. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Stratton, Mari, Greg, Adam & Alex. Stratton Tragellis & Family 2009-09-16 14:31:07

Pr Dave, Tim & Jenn, James & Laura, Norm A day has not gone by that we do not lift up our sister, Teddi, in prayer and thanksgiving for the blessings she brought to your lives, the community and Muhlenberg. Dave, to witness your courage and strength through these last months demonstrates the grace of your family's bonded togetherness. Your loving attention eased her journey to the next life with an incredible peace that passes all understanding. Teddi is free and has been carried on the wings of an eagle with an angel escort, in the express lane to Heaven! May God-speed all that you need in this time of sorrow. Always, Joanne & Keith Baker Joanne & Keith Baker 2009-09-26 14:27:10

goddances@yahoo.com I write this just moments upon receiving the news of Teddi's passing. I am deeply saddened and pray for her entire family and all of her extended family and friends, that you are comforted by the sweetness, love respect and care she shared with everyone and may that love be with you always. I am so very sorry for I know this is a great loss for all of you. Always, Vicki Belezos Love to you 2009-09-28 16:45:48

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