Mohawk - Ms. Lois Jean Nelson, 50, of 10 Murphy Lane passed away Friday, July 24, 2009 peacefully in her home after a long illness. She was born in Utica on January 8, 1959, the daughter of the late Arleigh and Adah Seckner Nelson and she attended Whitesboro schools. Lois was employed at La Salle Labs, Little Falls and later at the Salvation Army, Ilion for many years. She was of the protestant faith. Lois was a devoted mother with a good sense of humor, she had a free spirit who kept up on current issues of the day. She held strong opinions but would only share them quietly when prompted. Lois is survived by two daughters, Susan Helmer & fiancee Daniel Yule and Jean Helmer both of Mohawk; two sons, Darin Helmer and Andrew Helmer both of Mohawk; her grandson, Evan; three sisters and two brothers in law, Mary & Joseph Bottini of Sauquoit, Nancy Nelson of Utica and Kathryn & Gordy Snell of New Hartford; four brothers & two sisters in law, William & Mary Nelson of Marcy, Arleigh & Linda Nelson of Whitesboro, Marc Nelson of Clinton and Paul Nelson & his fiancée, Georgiana Cullen of Whitesboro; her children's father, Francis Helmer; one aunt, Minnie Nelson of Utica and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by one sister, Susan Nelson. Her funeral will be held Monday evening at 7:00 pm from the Petykiewicz, Iocovozzi, & Burns Funeral Home, 329 S. Washington St. Herkimer with the Rev Eugene Kipper, officiating. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Whitesboro. Calling hours will be Monday from 5-7 at the Petykiewicz, Iocovozzi, & Burns Funeral Home. Lois' family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to MOVAC, Ilion Fire Department and Rural Metro for the wonderful care and kindness shown to her over the past few years. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Lois's online memorial page by going to www.iocovozzifuneralhomes.com