Nellie Jean

Small

Nellie was promoted to glory on Monday June 14th at the Dexter House Health Care Center in Malden.  She was 81 years of age.  She was a resident of Chelsea for many years residing at the Margolis Building.  As a result of failing health, Nellie entered "On Broadway Nursing Home" in Chelsea and later moved to the Dexter House in Malden.    Born and raised in Noank, CT, she was a beloved daughter of the late Earl C. Foster, Sr. and Mary (Banks) Foster. In May of 1964 She met Harold Wilmont Small and they were married in October of that year in the Noank Baptist Church.  They moved to Boston area in 1967. Nellie and her husband became active with the Salvation Army's Boston Central Corps where they were both enrolled as soldiers in 1977, by Lt. Leo Lloyd.  Moving to Chelsea in the 1980's they served faithfully at the Chelsea Salvation Army Citadel.  At the same time, they became foster parents caring for Rhonda Lucido, and April, Jason and Bonnie Barry.  Nellie cared for these children as if they were her own and cherished the love, they shared with her.  Nellie was widowed in 2008 with the passing of her beloved husband Harold after sharing 45 years together.  In her later years Nellie was a faithful member of the Maplewood Baptist Church in Malden.  In addition to her foster children and grandchildren Nellie is survived by her brother Earl C. Foster, Jr of Canterbury CT., and her sister June Ellen Foster Henderson of Mystic CT. and many nieces and nephews.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Service on Monday June 28th at 10:00 AM in the Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea. Rev. Gary McClenthen of the Maplewood Baptist Church will be officiating.  Services will conclude with Nellie's interment at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne at 12:45 PM.