Elota Anne (Scott) Nicholson, 85, of Bend, Oregon, passed away on October 25, 2026. In keeping with her wishes there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at 11A.M Thursday November 12 in Maple Grove Cemetery, Waterloo, N.Y.
Born in Glens Falls, New York, on December 23, 1940, to Herbert A. Scott “Scotty” and Lucille E. Shumate Scott, Elota spent much of her childhood in Waterloo, New York, growing up with her younger brother, Herb. She graduated from Adelphian Academy in Michigan in 1958 and from Freeman Business School in Geneva, New York, in 1959.
Elota began her career as an executive secretary at Seneca Falls Machine Company. In 1963, excited for a new adventure, she moved to California. She worked for Aerospace Corp. in San Bernardino and later served in Seventh-day Adventist church offices in Riverside and San Jose. She went on to build a successful career in real estate sales and property management.
Faith, music, healthy eating, and travel were important parts of her life. She studied music from childhood and for many years enjoyed singing with the Adoration Singers in Modesto, California. Her love of travel took her to all 50 states and abroad to China, Denmark for her daughter’s wedding, and on meaningful mission trips to Norway, Peru, and the Galápagos Islands, helping build churches and schools. In 1998, she was drawn to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, where she lived and worked for four years and later returned annually for the winter months.
For many years, Lodi, California, held a special place in Elota’s heart. As part of the English Oaks community, she built deep friendships and a full, joyful life. In her final years, she moved to Bend to be closer to family and was grateful to discover a welcoming new circle of friends.
Remembering others from the community
Elota was preceded in death by her parents and her brother. Elota loved her family dearly and remained devoted to them throughout her life. She is survived by her daughter, Natasha Nicholson-Bjerre and her son-in-law, Frank; her son, Theron Michael Nicholson; her three grandsons, Emil, Michael, and Brandon; and her great-grandson, Jackson.
Condolences and remembrances may be sent to www.coegenungfuneralhome.com
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