Obituary of Andrea Jean Nelson

Andrea Jean Nelson (60) passed away in St. Maries on October 5, 2016. She was born to Lester and Lucille Nelson on October 7, 1955 in Coeur d’ Alene, ID. Andrea, the youngest of 3 children, was raised in St. Maries and attended St. Mary’s Catholic Academy through the 6th grade. She graduated from St. Maries High School with the class of 1974. Following high school Andrea had 3 children (Becky, Jennifer, and Kyle) and became a home maker raising them. Later to help support her family, she went to work in the kitchen at Valley Vista Care Center and eventually obtained her CNA and worked with the bath team. Andrea had several jobs over the years including waitressing for the Handi Corner, deli worker at IGA, and she bartended at the Eagles. At this time in her life she was on a dart team for PJ’s, she loved to ride horses, she was a great cook, she crocheted, and was a seamstress. She made several blankets for her family and friends. Andrea and her family spent many summers up at Huckleberry campground when her children were younger. They enjoyed the outdoors and loved floating the Joe. Andrea went to work for the Coeur d’ Alene Casino working in off track betting. It was there she was reacquainted with her friend Jim Hanson. The couple began dating and Andrea relocated to Worley, ID to join her life with Jim. She then went to work at Meredith’s as a service attendant. Jim and Andrea had a lot of fun together. They enjoyed taking off for spontaneous road trips often bringing a portable barbeque with them. They would drop the tailgate down, barbeque, and enjoy the scenery. Andrea still loved to cook and always had supper on the table for Jim. Her son Kyle’s job would take him to Worley once in a while, and she loved bringing him sandwiches for lunch and homemade frozen meals she made for him to have for dinner. They came complete with reheating instructions. She loved feeding everyone and was well known for her manicotti. Andrea enjoyed the outdoors and everything they had to offer. She loved fishing, especially trips to the Moose Creek Reservoir. Music was a big part of Andrea’s life. She loved it and would often just lay down and listen to it. Andrea is survived by her long-time companion Jim Hanson of Worley, ID; daughters Becky (Tucker) Harold and Jennifer Lash of St. Maries, ID; son Kyle Lash of Coeur d’ Alene, ID; step-daughter Lora Lei Hanson of Worley, ID; and step-son Levi Hanson of Worley, ID. Also surviving are her mother Lucille Nelson of St. Maries, ID; sisters Paula Queener of St. Maries, ID and Mary Ann (Randy) Schwanz of Whitefish, MT; 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father Lester Nelson and brother in-law Tom Queener. A memorial service is planned for Tuesday October 18, 2016 at 11:00 at the Elks Lodge in St. Maries, ID. A gathering of family and friends to share a meal will follow.