Rebecca A. Nelson

February 24, 1950 - June 7, 2016

With great sadness the New England Chapter reports the death of Rebecca Nelson, a fifteen-year member and our immediate past president, following a courageous battle against cancer. Rebecca was a much loved and valued member of New England ASDP. From the day she joined in 2001 she brought a ready smile, enthusiasm, organization, a great sense of humor, and wholehearted commitment to our goals and events.

For the past nine years she served on our Board in Membership and Program positions and most recently for two consecutive terms as Chapter President. Rebecca was instrumental in the startup of our website and in monitoring the statistics and effectiveness of our Google group. It was always a treat to be an officer when Rebecca was chairing the Board, because meetings often featured delicious lunches she provided at her home.

A native of Rutland, Vermont, Rebecca made her home with her husband Jon in Marlborough, MA where she established her sewing business, Rebecca's Dresses, focusing on bridal work, christening gowns, and prom gown alterations. She was incredibly generous with her time and talents. Rebecca made room in her busy schedule each spring for Princess Boutique, a voluntary initiative to obtain and alter prom gowns and accessories for local girls in financial need to be outfitted beautifully for their big night. She put in hours of preparation and organization for this legendary annual event. Then, in a single nonstop day of gown selections, fittings and alterations, Rebecca and her team would send dozens of happy girls home with their perfect look.

Besides her lifelong passion for sewing, Rebecca also enjoyed traveling with her husband on his Master Singers music tours, and cheering on the New England sports teams as a devoted fan.

In her passing, Rebecca has left big shoes to fill. To say that we will miss her is a great understatement. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family and to all who knew and loved her.

The New England Chapter has made a monetary gift in Rebecca's name, donated by individual members and a Chapter allocation, to the ASDP Charitable Foundation. We felt that contributing to the support of professional education in sewing and design would be a very appropriate way to ensure that Rebecca's name lives on in a field she so loved and to which she gave her talents and energy.