Mary M. Benacci Nelson, age 77, passed away peacefully at her home on March 12, 2026. Born on January 14, 1949 in Erie, she was the daughter of the late Joseph C. and Mae Reine (Felix) Benacci.
Mary graduated from Strong Vincent High School in the Class of 1967, where she served as co-captain of the Cheerleading Squad and formed many lifelong friendships. She married the love of her life, David Nelson, on August 31, 1968 at Saint Paul Church in Erie. In addition to being a devoted homemaker, she worked as a secretary at McQuiston Insurance Agency before launching her own business in partnership with Quality Markets, organizing charitable fundraisers throughout the Erie area.
She was the heart of her family, beloved for bringing people together around her famous Sunday dinners filled with stories, laughter, and a deep sense of welcome. Mary cherished holiday traditions, tended her garden with care, and enjoyed traveling to Florida and Hilton Head with her husband David and their friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David Nelson; her mother- and father-in-law, Rexford and Dorothy Nelson; and her brother-in-law, John C. Nelson. She is survived by her sons, Jon (Jennifer) Nelson and Robert Nelson; grandchildren, Jacob Nelson, Lauryn and Ryleigh Robie; her sister, Nancy (Michael) Cox; brothers, Robert J. Benacci and Joseph (Sandy) Benacci; niece, Alex Benacci; nephews, Tim (Jen) Benacci and Matt (Allison) Benacci; great-nieces and nephews, Ryan, Will, Trevor, and Taylor Benacci; and her cherished lifelong friends from the Bimbalinas, the Jamestown crew, and her Saddlewood neighbors.
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