Daisy Walkama Durrant Nelson, age 99 of Virginia died Tuesday, July 3, 2018 in Edgewood Vista. She was born June 19, 1919 in Spokane, Washington; the daughter of Otto Fredrick and Saima (Rahkola) Walkama who both emigrated from Finland.

Otto died when Daisy was very young so Saima and Daisy moved to Virginia, Minnesota to be with family. Daisy graduated from Virginia High School Class of 1937 and later from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis where she met Leonard Durrant who was from Lake City, Minnesota. Len and Daisy were married in Lake City before he was sent overseas during WW II.

Daisy and Len settled in St Paul, Minnesota after he returned from the service. They had a good life together enjoying her family cabin on Lake Vermilion and taking many trips. They became part owners of a ski area in Wisconsin called Snow Crest where Daisy became a good skier and qualified for NASTAR finals at age 52.

The Durrants lived in St. Paul for 37 years and retired to Bella Vista, Arkansas. After Len died, Daisy continued to live in Bella Vista. At her 60th High School Class reunion, Daisy reacquainted with classmate, Dr. Paul Nelson. At age 82 years young, they began their new life together, and lived in Normal, Illinois.

Daisy was a member of the Edgewood Resident Council, and initiated a Finnish Culture Group and a Finnish Language Group. She was a member of PEO in Normal, Illinois and Virginia, Minnesota and appreciated all the good they have accomplished.

Daisy is survived by sons: David (Vicki Hall) Durrant of Tower, Paul Durrant of Minneapolis, and Steven (Chris Carlson) Durrant of Seattle; grandchildren: Ben, Jess, and Peter; and great-grandson: Logan.

She was preceded in death by her first husband: Leonard Durrant, second husband: Dr. Paul Nelson, and sister: Dora Ernst: Daughter-in-law Susan Durrant.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 5, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in the Edgewood Vista Chapel.

Family services provided by Bauman-Vermilion, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com