Carmilla Marie Nelson (Hansen), age 88, of Dixon, IL, formerly of Rochelle, IL, passed away on March 10, 2021 after a brief and unexpected illness. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Carmilla was born in Charlotte, IA on November 20, 1932 to George R. and Anna Blanche (Farrell) Hansen. She graduated from Mount St. Clair, Clinton, IA. She worked at Rochelle Furniture Factory in 1971 and GJ Aigners in 1983. Much of her life was spent caring for her grandchildren and many other children that she took into her care.

Carmilla was married to James Nelson in Morrison, IL on October 21, 1953; they welcomed three children together, Joe, Bill and Sue Nelson who were the center of her world.

Carmilla is survived by her children: Joseph (Vickie) Nelson of Ashton, IL, Bill (Maribeth) Nelson of Rochelle, IL, and Sue (Sandy Moore) Nelson of South Beloit, IL; seven grandchildren: Lisa (Chris Carter) Kurtzman of Myrtle Beach, SC, Tina (Josh) Schroeder of Madison, WI, Amy (Dan) Hatfield of Rochelle, IL, Angie Nelson of Rochelle, IL, Mary (Craig) Ritchie of Rochelle, IL, Zackery (Jenetta Welty) Beck of Erie, IL and Samantha (Zach) Waliullah of Crystal Lake, IL; 18 great grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; her sister, Dorothy Langrehr of Clinton, IA and sister-in-law/godmother, Theresa Hansen of Dewitt, IA.

In addition to her parents, she is proceeded in death by her husband, James, three brothers, three sisters and two grandsons, Tim Wooten of Rochelle, IL and Nicolas Mchugh of Eau Claire, WI.

Carmilla will be remembered fondly by those that loved her. She was the best mother, wife, grandmother, sister and friend that there ever was. Her stories and memories will continue to be passed on by her family to the next generations.

Cremation care provided by the Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle, IL. Memorial service will be held at a later date by her family and friends to celebrate Carmilla's life. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Serenity Hospice and Home, 1658 S. IL Rte 2, Oregon, IL 61061. The family would like to thank the Serenity House for the care and compassion that was shown to our mother and grandmother. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.