Luce (Ennis) Neilson

SOUTHBURY - Luce Ennis Neilson passed away at The Villa at Watermark in Southbury, CT on Sunday April 14,2024.  The daughter of Ethel and Lynn Ennis, she grew up in Lake Park MN.  As much as she loved the Midwest and the lakes of MN, her musical and acting talents led her and 2 girl friends to make an adventurous car trip across country to California.  Her early stage experiences were at The Old Globe in San Diego where she was encouraged to go to New York City.  Once there, she was cast in the original productions of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS with Carol Burnett and THE SOUND OF MUSIC with Mary Martin.  Many Broadway and Regional musical productions followed.  With the introduction of Rock Musicals in the '70's, she quickly changed career direction and made a name for herself in the TV Commercial/PrintAd world.  

Luce and her husband of almost 60 years, Richard Nelson, made their home on TimberLake in Sherman, CT where she enjoyed gardening, swimming, her many dogs and entertaining. In 2019 they moved to the Watermark in Southbury, CT.  Richard and her beloved Cairn terrier Betsy passed in 2020.  Luce is survived by her half sisters Ginny and Terri Jo and her many friends and loved ones. No services will be held, per Luce's request. Please consider donating to the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actor's Fund) in Luce's name.  Anyone who ever met Luce loved her and will miss her dearly.  To leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.CarpinoCares.com.

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