Claudine Ligot Nelson

Claudine Ligot Nelson of Earlysville passed away Friday, August 18, 2023 at the age of 88 after a brief battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Mrs. Nelson was born in Charleroi, Belgium in 1935 and immigrated to Lynchburg, Virginia in 1962 with her 18-month-old daughter and two cocker spaniels. In 1965 she moved to Earlysville, taught herself to speak English and became a fixture in the community. Before coming to America, Mrs. Nelson was a trained pharmacist’s assistant. In the 1970’s she worked for Dominion Power (previously known as VEPCO). Later, she developed a true passion caring for homeless animals while volunteering at the SPCA on Woodburn Rd. She quickly became a staunch advocate for the spaying and neutering of companion animals.

While she was best known for love of animals, she was an excellent cook of French cuisine, and took pride in hosting dinner parties and having annual Easter egg hunts for her four grandchildren.

Mrs. Nelson is predeceased by her beloved husband, Raymond Nelson. She is survived by her daughter Sylvie Casper (Steve) and their children Ariane and Ben; her son Chris Nelson (Heather) and their children Natalie and Sam; two brothers Robert Ligot (Marie-Christine) and Francis Ligot (Andree), Suzanne Hanotiaux-Delforge and several nieces.

The family would like to recognize the staff at the Hospice of the Piedmont for their dedication, care and support during her final days, as well as her devoted neighbors.

Family visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hill and Wood Funeral Home, 201 North First St, Charlottesville, VA, 22902. A graveside ceremony will be held the following day at 11 a.m. at Monticello Memory Gardens across from Michie Tavern