Sarah Marie Nelson Green
Sarah Marie Nelson Green jumped the divide in the wee hours of October 18th, 2023. She was one of a kind, beloved by many, which reflects how magically and unwaveringly she loved you. She left it all on the floor. If you met her, you likely won't forget her. If you miss her, you know exactly why. Born in Oxnard, California, to Rose Ella and Daniel Earl Nelson, her "baby brother" Tom later coined her Nardelle after her birthplace. A tradition started by their grandpa George, Sarah called her older brother Dan (aka Spike) the Ojai Kid. She loved her extended family fiercely. Mom led an extraordinary life filled with travel and humor. She appreciated a good double entendre, a plate of bacon, anything from Gayle's Bakery, and handsome men. As quick to tears as to cackling, Sarah blamed it on her Irish roots. Her early wardrobe influences include her beloved doll, Sparkle Plenty. Lone Pine was central to her childhood with Judy the Burro and nearby Mount Whitney. Visiting with cousins was among her favorite things to do. She lived in Mission Viejo when the kids were young and came to Santa Cruz in 1976. Until a few years ago, she attended Saint Francis de Sales High School reunions. Known as an Aramco Brat - her dad worked in the oil industry in Saudi Arabia - she attended the American University in Beirut, where she connected with friends worldwide. She later attended the University of Pacific as a Kappa Alpha Theta. Working with Herb Caen at the SF Chronicle was a highlight of her early career.
Sarah leaves a profound legacy of love. Her unconditional love, encouragement, and support are palpable still. Her light shines in each of us. Across Santa Cruz City Schools and at Soquel High as a job developer, hundreds of students benefited from her ability to see the best in everyone. Sarah was a personal clipping service, a constant sender of cards, and a prolific writer. She uplifted and celebrated her people through word and deed. Sarah delighted in ALL of us. Her red and orange lipstick addiction is well-known. Drawn to excess, our Queen Omega, Pirate Queen, and Mom wore the dazzling, over-the-top fabulousness fitting of her position. Good lord, she will be missed. She is survived by her son and daughter, Chris and Sally Green, granddaughter Sadie "The Little Diddle" Willey (papa Lucas Willey), brother Thomas Nelson (Sharon), nephews Daniel Nelson (Tamy) and Thomas Nelson, nieces Annie Nelson (Alf), Julianna Nelson, Rose Mosley, and Tish Griffin Satre (Tom), and numerous cousins and friends. She is predeceased by her ex-husband, Bundy Green. In Sarah's honor, blast some BB King, Tina Turner, or Lyle Lovett. Pop by her resting spot at the old Soquel Cemetery and leave a little something so we know you've been by to see her. Join us to celebrate our mom's dazzling life force on Sunday, November 19th, from 11A-1P outdoors at Anna Jean Cummings Park in Soquel. Bring your stories and come draped in sparkle, color, and outrageous beauty.