Patricia “Patti” Petaccio NelsonPatricia “Patti” Petaccio Nelson of Seneca, wife of the late Granville Eugene Nelson, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital.

Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Patti was the daughter of the late William Anthony and Laura Verline Smith Petaccio. She is survived by her brother, Ted Petaccio (Jane) of Lake Mont, GA, and her sister, Angie Petaccio of Seneca, SC.

Throughout her life, Patti carried herself with grace, warmth, and a deep devotion to family and others. She lived a life guided by God, love, compassion, and a steady selflessness that touched countless lives.

Patti is survived by her children: Scott Nelson of Beaufort, NC; Jennifer Nelson (Samuel Moss) of Seneca, SC; Nikki Nelson of Aiken, SC; William Nelson (Shaqalia) of Seneca, SC; Christopher Nelson (Lizzy) of Seneca, SC; Timothy Nelson of Seneca, SC; and Jeff Nelson (Daniel) of Seneca, SC. She was also blessed with 15 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

At the center of Patti’s joy was motherhood. She adopted three children and fostered hundreds, giving them not only a home, but a lifetime of unconditional love, encouragement, and support. She taught those around her that family is built, not measured—and that love is defined by the bonds we choose to nurture, protect, and cherish.

That same spirit shaped every part of Patti’s life. She worked as a recovery and hospice nurse, caring for others during some of life’s most vulnerable and difficult seasons. Her gentle presence, attentive listening, and remarkable compassion brought comfort to those who needed it most. To Patti, this work was more than a job—it was a calling. She treated every person with dignity, kindness, and respect, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.

Patti’s faith in God and her love for people were reflected in the way she lived each day. She gave freely of herself, opened her heart and home to others, and never measured her love by blood or circumstance. Her life was a testament to the power of compassion and the difference one person can make simply by choosing to love.

Today, we honor Patti’s legacy not only for how she lived, but for how she loved—fully, faithfully, and with a care that reached far beyond herself. Her greatest legacy will live on in the children she raised, the people she cared for, the lives she welcomed into her home, and the many hearts she touched along the way.

Though she is no longer with us, the love Patti gave so freely will remain—in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and in all those who were fortunate enough to call her Mom, Nanny, family, friend, or caregiver.In lieu of flowers, Patti would welcome donations to your local humane society in her memory.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Friday, October 2, 2026 at Hopewell Baptist Church, 161 Hopewell Church Road, in  Seneca. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 PM at the church. 

Burial will follow in Oconee Memorial Park. 

Brown Funerals is assisting the family.