Surrounded by her family, Gem Elizabeth Nelson of Coopersburg, PA, passed away on January1, 2018.  She was born in Pottstown, PA on September 22, 1929, to Dr. Luther Cressman and Dorothy Loch Cressman, and raised in Eugene Oregon, where her father established the anthropology department and the museum of natural history at the University of Oregon in Eugene.  Mrs. Nelson attended Reed College, where she met her husband.  They were married for 69 years. She is survived by her husband Dr. James T. Nelson, her son Richard Nelson of Coopersburg, PA, and her daughter Patricia Nelson who resides in Florida.  In lieu of services, contributions may be made in her name to: Animals in Distress, 5075, Limeport Pike, Coopersburg, PA 18036.