Margaret Kathleen Nelson, 93, died Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015, at Parkview Whitley Hospital a few days after suffering a major stoke.

She was born in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia on Dec. 5, 1921, a daughter of George and Agnes Atkinson.

During World War II, Margaret served as a tailor and seamstress making uniforms for the British Army. She was a self-employed tailor and seamstress right up until her death.

Margaret was a member of Delta Theta Tau Sorority for over 50 years and a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Columbia City, since 1948. She volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader, Sunday School Teacher and at the Opportunity Center (Passages) helping teach disabled children. Margaret was still helping with the blood mobile and the food bank at Grace Lutheran Church until the past few years.

Surviving relatives include a son: Ralph (Tam) Nelson, Columbia City; two daughters: Christine Grunstad, Fort Wayne; and Tania Keirn, Columbia City; six grandchildren: Brett Nelson; Brandi (Todd) Nelson Walker; Chandler Grunstad; Colby (Brandi); Casey (Stacy); and Lesley Keirn; seven great-grandchildren: Trey Peterson; Jaxson Peterson; Mallory Walker; Leo Walker; Eli Keirn; Isabella Keirn; and Aden Keirn.

Margaret was preceded in death by her mother; father; and sister; in Brisbane and Sydney, Australia. Her husband: Martin Nelson, Columbia City, died Nov. 8, 1988.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at Grace Lutheran Church, Columbia City, with a luncheon following.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials directed to the family to honor Margaret’s wishes to have her ashes sent back to her homeland in Brisbane, Australia.

Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, is in charge of arrangements.