Jil Nelson 1953— 2023

I believe I know the only cure, which is to make one’s center of life inside of one’s self, not selfishly or excludingly, but with a kind of unassailable serenity — to decorate one’s inner house so richly that one is content there, glad to welcome anyone who wants to come and stay, but happy all the same when one is inevitably alone. Edith Wharton

I believe I know the only cure, which is to make one’s center of life inside of one’s self, not selfishly or excludingly, but with a kind of unassailable serenity — to decorate one’s inner house so richly that one is content there, glad to welcome anyone who wants to come and stay, but happy all the same when one is inevitably alone. Edith Wharton

One way to remember and celebrate Jil, a gifted, gentle

October 2022: A tiny calling card left on a front door

friend, is to savour how she continually and generously

when friends were not at home to greet her.

shared her interests, her humor, her likes and her loves, with unique, original images and salient succinct words.

To follow are “Jil with one I” Instagram postings.

One way to remember and celebrate Jil, a gifted, gentle

October 2022: A tiny calling card left on a front door

friend, is to savour how she continually and generously

when friends were not at home to greet her.

shared her interests, her humor, her likes and her loves, with unique, original images and salient succinct words.

To follow are “Jil with one I” Instagram postings.

Jil Nelson passed away at age 70 on March 28, 2023. She was born on March 28th, 1953, the second of Joan and Stanley Nelson’s four children. She lived in Deep River until her marriage to Howard Kaplan brought her to Chester. And in 1997 she settled into her cozy historic home in Lyme. A Wesleyan University graduate in 1982, Jil studied landscape architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design. She remained a student all her life, breaking Duolingo records for consecutive days studying Italian. She also frequented seminars and lectures, read widely and traveled broadly, sometimes to experience a village or a city as a local. Jil sought and nurtured special connections, not only with intimates, but with acquaintances at the local businesses she frequented. In her quiet, at times quirky way, she got to know others, learning details about their lives, becoming the keeper of secrets or a patient advisor. Many remember Jil as an early adopter and contributor to social media, sharing her passion for causes and politics with unique linguistic and visual creativity. She helped local organizations build on-line presence and forged relationships with fellow social media mavens far beyond Connecticut. A consumer of content in all its forms, it was not uncommon for Jil to know about an opening in her daughter’s London neighborhood, or an event at her granddaughter’s school, long before they did.

“You are the best part of me.”

Lesser known is her artwork. Unassuming colors and textures enhanced her pastels and assemblages. The few words she might choose to include in a collage were clever and meaningful; and on the rare occasion that Jil would share a recent effort, it was with hesitation and humility. Jil dedicated her time and resources to women’s rights, human rights, the arts and protection of mother earth. An incorporator of the Chester Land Trust in 1987, she continued to support land conservation in Lyme. Predeceased by her parents and brother Bruce, Jil will forever be missed and always celebrated by her daughter Xander, son-in-law Matt, granddaughter Una, brothers Scott and Keith, sisters-in-law Donna and Janet, as well as friends near, far and virtual. She lived fully, with conviction and generosity. The many heartfelt lessons she taught us will live on.

Jil Nelson passed away at age 70 on March 28, 2023. She was born on March 28th, 1953, the second of Joan and Stanley Nelson’s four children. She lived in Deep River until her marriage to Howard Kaplan brought her to Chester. And in 1997 she settled into her cozy historic home in Lyme. A Wesleyan University graduate in 1982, Jil studied landscape architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design. She remained a student all her life, breaking Duolingo records for consecutive days studying Italian. She also frequented seminars and lectures, read widely and traveled broadly, sometimes to experience a village or a city as a local. Jil sought and nurtured special connections, not only with intimates, but with acquaintances at the local businesses she frequented. In her quiet, at times quirky way, she got to know others, learning details about their lives, becoming the keeper of secrets or a patient advisor. Many remember Jil as an early adopter and contributor to social media, sharing her passion for causes and politics with unique linguistic and visual creativity. She helped local organizations build on-line presence and forged relationships with fellow social media mavens far beyond Connecticut. A consumer of content in all its forms, it was not uncommon for Jil to know about an opening in her daughter’s London neighborhood, or an event at her granddaughter’s school, long before they did.

“You are the best part of me.”

Lesser known is her artwork. Unassuming colors and textures enhanced her pastels and assemblages. The few words she might choose to include in a collage were clever and meaningful; and on the rare occasion that Jil would share a recent effort, it was with hesitation and humility. Jil dedicated her time and resources to women’s rights, human rights, the arts and protection of mother earth. An incorporator of the Chester Land Trust in 1987, she continued to support land conservation in Lyme. Predeceased by her parents and brother Bruce, Jil will forever be missed and always celebrated by her daughter Xander, son-in-law Matt, granddaughter Una, brothers Scott and Keith, sisters-in-law Donna and Janet, as well as friends near, far and virtual. She lived fully, with conviction and generosity. The many heartfelt lessons she taught us will live on.

Proceeds from the sale of this Jil Nelson remembrance will be donated to the Chester Land Trust in her name.