Obituary of Raina Lee Nelson

Raina Lee Nelson, born 8/06/1979, passed away on 9/06/2021 at the age of 42.  Raina, aka Raina Lee, aka Raina Bear (an affectionate childhood nickname) was the only girl in our sibling tribe of four and brought sunshine and glitter to our childhood. As a young lady Raina enjoyed taking dance lessons and she did some modeling for a local agency, after graduating high school she obtained her cosmetology license, and she enjoyed the friendships and conversations she was able to have with her clients.  She enjoyed being able to help them look better and feel better about themselves.

Always quick to share whatever she had and careful not to be judgmental, Raina really did have a heart made of pure gold, forever putting others needs ahead of her own. I believe her perspective on life and her legacy is well described in the paradoxical commandments titled “Do it Anyway” by Kent M. Keith. “…People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway. People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway…” These words were displayed by Mother Teresa at her children’s home in Calcutta. I chose this work to represent Raina’s mark on this world, because she was selfless, kind and caring to all, no matter their faults.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Donovan and Valborg Doring, her paternal grandparents Robert and June Nelson, and her brothers Jon Haga and David Donovan Nelson. She is survived by her parents David and Donna Nelson, her brother Robert David Nelson and her daughter Laylah Christine Taylor.

Farewell my beautiful sister, your kind heart and caring soul will be missed by many.  We look forward to meeting you again in Heaven!