Lonnie Nelson, 1932—2014

Madelon Sue “Lonnie” Nelson was a Seattle labor activist, published poet, and longtime Communist Party member active in campaigns for nuclear disarmament, Native American rights, and police accountability.

Lonnie had her own ‘hard times’ in the past (that she never discussed in detail).  This made her fit right in wherever she went, with people of all backgrounds and circumstances.

Lonnie contributed poems to WHEEL chapbooks, one of which is in the WHEEL anthology “Beloved Community:  A Sisterhood of Homeless Women in Poetry.”

Lonnie also published a book of her poetry: What Keeps Us Going On

Lonnie’s obituary at People’s World

Lonnie’s Leaf is located at the Seattle Central Library. If you have photos or memories of Lonnie, please comment.