Suzanne M. Nelson (formerly Sister  Mary St. Gerard, Sisters of Notre Dame, Chardon), age 83, of Akron, passed away January 29, 2026,at Mulberry Gardens Memory Care. She was born September 4, 1942 in Canton, Ohio, the daughter of the late John Ralph and Alma (Gilli) Nelson. She was a 1978 graduate of Pontifical University of St. Thomas of Aquinas in Rome where she received her Master of Arts in Religious Education, and Regis University where she received her Master of Arts in Pastoral Administration in 1998.  Suzanne was Director of Religious Education at the diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida from 1999 to 2007, followed by serving as Director of Religious Education at the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. At the end of her career, she taught religious education online. She enjoyed crafts and was a talented artist.

Suzanne is survived by her brother, Michael  Nelson;  brother and sister-in-law, Timothy and Lori Nelson; brother-in-law, Eugene Smith; sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Jeff Fleming; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Lou Smith. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 9 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. at Heitger Funeral Home - MASSILLON CHAPEL. Mass of Christian Burial will follow and will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 11 A.M. at Divine Mercy Parish, St. Mary Campus, with Fr. Edward Gretchko, celebrant.

Her final place of rest will be Foxfield Preserve in Wilmot, Ohio. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Traditions Hospice, 577 Grant Street Ste .B,  Akron, Ohio, 44311 Condolences to the family may be made here on our tribute wall. Heitger Funeral Home and Crematory- MASSILLON CHAPEL 330-833-3248

Traditions Health Hospice,
577 Grant Street Ste .B, Akron OH 44311