Solange M. Nelson's Obituary
Solange M. Nelson, age 70, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on May 28, 2026. She was born in Agua Fria, Bahia, Brazil.
Family and friends were cornerstones in Solange’s life. She will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, for the joy she brought to her family and friends. Solange made people feel welcomed, valued and cared for. She provided important support for many around her, lending a listening ear, providing counsel and offering generous support to those who were struggling. She leaves behind a legacy of love, forgiveness and generosity that will continue to live in those who knew her.
Growing up in Brazil in poverty came with many challenges, yet Solange overcame them through optimism and relentless determination. She devoted herself to her studies and achieved acceptance into a highly prestigious technical school focused on math and science.
While attending school, she worked tirelessly with the support of friends and eventually graduated to become a chemist. Solange worked as a chemist while continuing her education, ultimately earning her Bachelor’s, then Master’s Degree in Organic Chemistry. She completed internships in Canada and later managed multiple laboratories for SENAI in Brazil, the largest technical and vocational training network in Latin America. After coming to the US 30 years ago, Solange worked and eventually retired from Science Center International in Philadelphia, where she served as Special Consultant for Latin America.
Solange had a passion for traveling and visited almost every continent. She loved music and dancing and will be remembered for her youthful spirit, graciousness, and the world’s best laugh. An eternal optimist, Solange found the silver lining in everything, often repeating her famous phrase: “Thanks God!”. A fan of reading historical fiction, she read all of Ken Follet’s books.
Most of all, Solange lovingly devoted herself to her daughter, Alice and in these last months, to her 5-month-old Granddaughter Zaya, affectionately referring to herself as “Vovó Sossó.” Her love for her family was the center of her life, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Solange was predeceased by her mother, Alice’ Martins da Silva, after whom she named her daughter.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 30 years, Rick Nelson; daughter, Alice’ Nascimento (Paxton Winters); stepsons, Anthony and Richard Nelson (Alexandra Nelson); granddaughter, Zaya; step-grandsons, Caleb and Dylan Nelson; niece, Luana Martins da Silva; sisters Claudia Maria Martins da Silva; Leda Maria Martins da Silva and brother, Jair Dantas dos Santos.
A Memorial Service for family and friends will be held at 10 am on Thursday, June 11th, at Givnish Funeral Home. 398 E Main Street in Marlton, NJ. Services will be followed by a 1 pm Luncheon at Amici Restaurant at 312 Kresson Road in Cherry Hill.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in memory of Solange Nelson to the Doman International Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering parents and helping their children with special needs achieve their fullest potential.
Memorial donations made in Solange’s honor will provide resources, education, and hope to families to accomplish what once seemed impossible for their special needs children. Donations may be made at: https://www.domaninternational.org/donate
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