Many people remember the Christmas sweaters she started wearing the day after Halloween.  Others recall the Looney Tunes knick-knacks that covered her office. We all remember her laughter and the smile she offered to everyone.

LJ Nelson passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 5, 2019.

For more than 20 years, LJ Nelson worked for LCS Northwest in our Kennewick Office. She wore many hats during her tenure, often at the same time. Whether she filled the role of Fiscal Director, IT Director, Director of Operations or Human Resources, she was the quiet and steady force we all knew would pull out all the stops to keep things afloat.

“She was a lifetime hard worker and a dedicated employee, always loyal and rooting for the underdog,” said Rochelle Brunsdon, former District Director.

Nelson’s life was one of service to others. She joined the army right out of high school and became a drill sergeant. She worked for Child Protective Services for 11 years in Texas. Nelson understood the importance of the LCS services to our community and was content to be a silent partner working from the background.

Nelson deeply valued family, and this rooted her in our agency’s mission. She believed in the work and she valued the people who did it.

“You always felt like you were the most important person in the room when you were with her. She went out of her way to make you feel significant,” said District Director Sharon Gentry.

Her kindness toward others was most often accompanied by her humor and wit. She could lighten a heavy moment and wasn’t afraid to crack a joke in front of our LCS Northwest Leadership Team, CEO included.

“She was LJ, plain and simple. Never tried to be someone she was not.” Gentry said.

Nelson made many sacrifices behind the scenes for LCS; yet she was humble and patient and never sought recognition or praise. She was proud to work here and we were proud to know her. We will never fill the void she now leaves in our office, but we will always hear the echoes of her laughter and remember how she touched us all.

“This is one of the best places to work, so keep your head up and be proud of what you do for families, I know I am proud of you!”        

-LJ Nelson