Nellie A Welch

Westbrook - Nellie A. Welch, 86, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, after a long illness at her home in Westbrook. She was born in Portland on April 11, 1931, the daughter of the late Perley S. and Florence (Burton) Waite. Nellie attended Portland grade schools and graduated from Portland High School in 1948. After school she first worked at Cook, Everett, & Pennell in Portland. She then got married and spent years being a housewife and raising a family. Once the kids were old enough she started working again at Fairchild's in South Portland. She worked here a short time before going to the Marshview Restaurant, in Scarborough to be a waitress. She then worked as a waitress at the Village Cafe, located in Portland, for over 42 years. She was one of the best, if not the best waitress that they had. She had many fond memories of working at the Village Cafe and became friends with all her coworkers and regular customers. After the Village Cafe, Nellie went to work at Southern Maine Community College, in South Portland, for Sodexo Food Service. Her coworkers and many of the students held a special place in her heart. Often called Gram by the students she was always quick with a smile and ready to offer a hug. Nellie married James Welch, Sr. on June 25, 1949, and remained married for over 46 years, having six children. She had a heart of gold and was loved by all who came to know her. She was an amazing mother, and wife who will be greatly missed. She had a special talent for cooking, anything crafty, ceramics, crocheting, making dolls, gardening and sewing. She had a great sense of fashion with her always coordinating her jewelry with her daily clothing. Nellie enjoyed spending summers at camp at Deer Pond and never had an issue with putting out an extra plate or two for the unexpected guest. She had many wonderful days and memories of the times here with her family and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, James Welch, Sr.; son, John Welch; and daughter, Evelyn Smith. Nellie is survived by her son, James Welch, Jr. and his wife Pamela of South Portland; three daughters, Brenda Welch of South Portland, Mary Deane of Westbrook, Patricia Saunders of Westbrook; a brother, Ronnie Waite and his wife Pricilla; a sister in-law Evelyn Bennett; nine grandchildren, Dion, Dawn, Jason, Marcy, Katrina, Brandy, Sadie, Jonel and Jenny; and seven great grandchildren, all who loved her very much. Nellie's family would like to thank Maine Medical Partners and the Hospice of Southern Maine for their compassionate care, especially in the last few months. Memorial contributions may be made in Nellie's memory to the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Memphis, TN 38148-0142