Nelson lauded for support of arts
Philanthropist recalled as kind, generous patron
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A local philanthropist is being remembered not only for her love of the arts, but as a treasured friend, a great hostess, an avid gardener and a caring person.
Dorothea (Detwiler) Beegle Nelson, 97, died Saturday morning at Garvey Manor Nursing Home, Hollidaysburg.
Nelson was a remarkable woman with an even more remarkable record of support and generosity toward building and sustaining the arts in Blair County, said Ann Benzel, president of Benzel's Pretzels.
She was involved in the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, the Blair County Arts Foundation and the Mishler Theatre, to name a few of her interests.
"Dorothea was always there with a lead gift to assist in the efforts to improve the quality of life in the region," Benzel said. "She was always there to lend a helping hand."
When the SAMA Altoona facility opened in 1995, Nelson lent generous support, she said.
The education center was dedicated in honor of Nelson's father, Paul I. Detwiler.
Anyone who had the opportunity to work alongside Nelson knew how capable and inspirational she was, Benzel said.
"When we got down, she lifted us up -- she was such an advocate for all of the arts and artists in our community," Benzel said.
Kate Shaffer, Blair County Arts Foundation executive director, said Nelson was a very close friend of the family and her mother's longtime friend.
Shaffer said Nelson and her mother were in the same bridge club for many years, so she grew up knowing her and described her as an incredible role model.
"Dorothea was the kindest and gentlest of ladies -- her life was well-lived," Shaffer said.
Nelson was a serious supporter of the arts, friends said.
She and her second husband, Dean Nelson, were sponsors of the Blair County Juried Art Exhibition every year. They were also inducted into the Blair County Arts Hall of Fame in 2009 for art leadership and arts patrons.
Nelson was also a supporter of the Altoona Symphony Orchestra and theater productions.
"I saw Dorothea at many performances and productions at the Mishler Theatre," Shaffer said.
Michael Kranich Sr. of Kranich's Jewelers said Nelson was an old friend and regular customer at the store.
"She was a lovely person and a friendly person," he said. "She was just a great lady."
Nelson was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church and was active in the Hollidaysburg Library and YMCA.
She was thrilled to be a member of the WISE Women of Blair County and was also proud to be a founding member of the Blairmont Club.
Donna Gority, who is on the WISE Women board and serves as president of ArtsAltoona, said Nelson was honored for her support and involvement in the arts during the WISE Women of Blair County's tribute in 2014.
"She was a very gracious and friendly person," Gority said.
"Her passing will be felt by all of us for a very long time," Benzel said. "But what she helped create will live on."
Nelson was preceded in death by her first husband, Emmert, in 1980, and her second husband, E. Dean Nelson, in 2012. She and Emmert had three daughters: Pamela Ann Richardson (Charles) of Charlottesville, Va., Gaye Elisabeth Schamburg of Annapolis, Md., and Lisa Jo Beegle, who died in 2020. She is also survived by five grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, July 31, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church, Hollidaysburg, with the Rev. David Bowman officiating.
Mirror Staff Writer Cati Keith is at 814-946-7535.