Vanessa Lynn Nelson

Vanessa Lynn Nelson, vibrant, loving, smart, and funny, passed away on June 11, 2026.

She was an honors graduate of Noblesville High School in 2004. Vanessa loved her time as both camper and counselor at Waycross Camp in Brown County, IN where she made many life long friends. Following high school, she attended Indiana University where she majored in English, and worked to hone her writing craft. She spent a year studying abroad in Ireland at The College of Cork, embracing the country and its people. As many know, in 2007, Vanessa was diagnosed with brain cancer. Throughout that trying period, Vanessa displayed character and grace that inspired countless people. Vanessa supported other cancer survivors in the nearly 20 years after treatment, providing her generosity of spirit, wisdom, shining optimism, and sense of humor (equal parts dark and sunshine). She was a daffodil swept into a hurricane; landing softly in a cool glass of Rosé on a sacred summer evening.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Jason; her parents, Dennis and Sue Pippenger; her brother, Ben (Katie); and her sister, Emily (Jeff) Brown; her many cherished nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. She will be dearly missed by the Nelson-Kerr-Wetzel-Pippenger family, and her partners in snuggles, Piper & Scout (dogs).

Vanessa was an unabashed hugger. She had the heart, mind, and perception of a poet. She was incredibly insightful. Some of which was a gift bestowed upon her, and some collected through her many trials of the body she faced throughout her days. She shared the same gift as her mother, Sue, never knowing a stranger. She embraced the lovely messiness of life and tangled herself into your heart, likely before you were even aware she had.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of her life-long love of animals, please make a donation in memory of Vanessa to IndyHumane.

A celebration of life is pending.

Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.