Memorial services for Trisha Nelson will be at 5 p.m. Sunday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. prior to the service. Private interment in Alden Cemetery will take place at a later date.

Trisha was born on June 18, 1987, in Albert Lea, to Clay and Marilyn (Christensen) Nelson. Trisha grew up in Alden, graduating from Alden-Conger High School in 2005. Trisha went on to complete her general education with Riverland Community College in Albert Lea. She was very proud of the scholarship she was given by them. She later attended ITT Tech for web design.

Trisha began employment with Walmart in Albert Lea in 2005 and later transferred to a Walmart in Eden Prairie. In December 2011, she began working for Caterpillar Inc. She worked in the Maple Grove and Brooklyn Park plants as a material handler. After years of hard work on Nov. 17, 2014, she was so proud to achieve her promotion to team leader on the second shift.

Trisha was a kind-hearted and generous person, always caring for others — including animals. Her relentlessly giving spirit fueled her involvement with Resource for Iguana Care and Adoption and being a mother to her own rescued reptiles. Trisha found comfort in helping young women with emotional and body issues as well and served as a great support for many. She loved living in the Twin Cities and found stress relief in the various activities it offered. She was active with Vertical Endeavors (indoor rock climbing) and Suspension. She belonged to a body modification community, where she had many close friends. Trisha was a perfect example of never judging anyone from the outside. She had tattoos and piercings. She enjoyed unique hobbies. That didn’t change her heart and soul. She had an adventurous spirit and marched to the beat of her own drum.

Trisha Lynn Nelson’s life was tragically taken away on Friday, Feb. 12, 2016. She was 28. Those left to treasure Trisha’s memory include her mother and father Marilyn Nelson and Clay Nelson; sisters Tanya Fure and Tasha Nelson; nieces and nephews Anne Deno, Evan Fure and Ava Fure; grandparents Barb and Harry Christensen and Pearl Nelson. She was especially close to Shannon Goskeson (Shane), Treyton Olson, Journey Olson, Bella Olson, Kasia Olson and Isaak Olson, as well as many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandpa, Vernon Nelson; uncle, Harlan Christensen; and many other loved ones.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Resource for Iguana Care and Adoption — a place Trisha loved — or the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women — A place we will always hold dear in our hearts for the help they have given us through this dark time.

Resource for Iguana Care and Adoption (http://www.iguanaresource.org/) is at 896 Jessamine Ave. East St Paul, MN 55106 and should be sent Attn: Kathy.

Donations to Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women can be donated on its website at http://www.mcbw.org/.