Mary was born on September 21, 1933 in Vernon, Texas to the late Bruno Bergt and Augusta (Gloyna) Bergt. She attended school and graduated from Crowell High School in 1942. She attended and graduate from Greenbelt School of Vocational Nursing in Crowell in 1954. She worked in healthcare for 47 years before retiring in 2000. She worked at the Foard County Hospital; Assistant Instructor, at the Greenbelt School of Nursing with Edith Roark; and retired from the Vernon State Hospital. Her natural gift was always serving people which was exemplified through mentoring and being preceptor to many nurses, sharing the wisdom and experience that she gained over the years. She was very conscientious in serving her patients with dignity, respect and true compassion.

She married Vance Nelson in 1953 in the First Baptist Church in Thalia, Texas, and he preceded her in death January 28, 1999. To this union was born three children: Buff Nelson, Mance Nelson, and Lyn Nelson.

Mary was confirmed and baptized into the Christian faith at Zion Lutheran Church in May 1934.

Mary loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, her husband Vance, and her family and friends. She loved being a nurse, caring and helping others. She is survived by her son Mance Nelson and Martha of Quanah and 2 step-grandsons Brodie Boyd and Kaleb Rozell. 2 granddaughters, Amy Diehl and Kayla Harmon, and 6 great grandchildren, Haydn Harmon, Scarlett, Malcolm, Teddy Diehl, Saylor Boyd and Kalia Rozell, 1 great-great granddaughter Aurelia Eddards Diehl; and a host of extended family and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Bruno and Augusta Bergt; husband Vance; sons Buff Nelson and Lyn Nelson; brothers Ernest Bergt and Anton Bergt; sisters Arline Bergt, Louise Wood, Olga Faske, and Loraine Coleman.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Crowell Cemetery Association, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, or your favorite charity.