Dorothy Budreau Nelson

Obituary Notice

Dorothy Budreau Nelson, 77, of Indian Harbour Beach, passed away August 10, 2025.

Dorothy “Dotty” was born in Savannah, GA, on October 13, 1947, to the late Dorothy Coleman Griffin and Remer Lane Budreau. Dotty graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and from the University of Central Florida with a Master’s degree in Education. 

Dotty was a talented nurse, teacher, leader, entrepreneur, and realtor. She was active and successful in her many roles in both the Melbourne, Florida, and Murphy, North Carolina communities. In Melbourne, she served as a Satellite Beach City Council Member, former Vice Mayor, and a former Director of Nursing at Holmes Regional Medical Center. For 20 years, she was a successful realtor in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where she also served as a leader in her community and church.

Dotty loved spending time with her family, caring for animals, and enjoying the beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains. She was active in the Indialantic Rotary chapter and at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Dotty will be cherished and remembered for her vibrant faith, love of learning, positive energy, playfulness, and desire to impact her community through her career and civic roles.

Dorothy Budreau Nelson is preceded in death by her husband, Hugh Nelson, and her brothers, Remer and Bruce Budreau.  She is survived by her children: Wendy Towson McAllister and husband Curt, Jonathan Towson and wife Jackie; her stepchildren: Kim Nelson Musierowicz and husband Martin, Jim Nelson and wife Elizabeth; and her grandchildren: Isaac McAllister, Vivien and Eva Towson, Nathan and William Musierowicz, Craig and Elyse Nelson.  The family will hold a memorial service at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on Saturday, October 18, at 11am.   In lieu of flowers, donations in Dotty’s name are appreciated for the Indialantic Rotary Club, Area 3 at P.O. Box 33134, Indialantic, FL 32903 and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 50 W. Strawbridge Ave., Melbourne, FL  32901.