Solem, Nanette
Nanette Adele (Avery) Solem, lovingly known as “Nana,” passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 19, 2024, in Jamestown, CA, at the age of 70. Born on February 11, 1954, in Wichita, KS, she spent the past 20 years making Sonora her cherished home.
A celebration of Nana’s life will be held on December 14, 2024, at noon at The Connection Church, 14326 Tuolumne Rd., Sonora, CA 95370. Family and friends are invited to honor her memory and share in the stories and love that defined her incredible life.
She is survived by her beloved spouse of 22 years, Lynn Solem, whom she lovingly referred to as her “tin man.” Lynn was her rock, her greatest supporter, and the man with whom she found true love—the good, bad, and ugly. His steadfast devotion and unwavering care stood as a beacon of love up until the very end.
She is also survived by her sister and best friend, Viki (Avery) Potts. As the only siblings, Nana and Viki shared a special bond, navigating life’s joys and challenges together. Proud Cherokee women, their heritage and sisterhood were at the heart of their connection.
She is survived by her nine children: Tamara (Snell) Violett (Joey Violett), Heidi (Snell) Thompson (Chris Thompson), Michael Snell, Jamie (Snell) McCloud, Julie (Snell) Morfin, Shawn Snell, Heather (Snell) Hayden (Scott Hayden), Akram Husain, and Sarina (Solem) Carnes (Steven Carnes). She is also survived by her nephews, Phillip Potts (Sarah Potts), James Potts, and Nathan Potts (Raquel Potts).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim Avery (2020) and Phyllis Avery (2019), her son, Anwar “Zaky” Husain (2021), and her granddaughters, Molly Adele (2021) and Terah Snell (2022).
Nana was a proud grandmother to her 33 cherished grandchildren: Anthony Snell, Joseph Kamai V, Quinn Burgess (Janel Burgess), Mya Violett, John Avery Burgess, Riley Behr, JJ Violett, Ethan Burgess, James Burgess, Aidan Burgess, Morgan Burgess, Hailey Violett, Maggie Mae; Andrew Thompson (Kathleen St. Clair), Alisha Thompson, Justin Thompson (Kasey Thompson); Peyton Burnett, Elliot Fullerton, Chandler Fullerton, Paige Snell, Maximus Snell; Jameson McCloud, Colin McCloud, Kirsten McCloud, Logan Umble, Connor Umble; Cyrus Morfin, Adrianna Morfin, Evran Morfin; Aronn Snell, Calista (Snell) Sprano (Richard Sprano), Natasha Snell, and Logan Snell. She was also a proud great-grandmother to 9 great-grandchildren: Colton, Aviana, Landon, Skyler, David, Juan, Violet, Gloria, and Tobias.
Nana’s life was centered around her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. She often said, “Jesus is the ONLY way to Heaven.” Her favorite Bible verse was, John 11:35, “Jesus wept”. It reminded her that Jesus cried because He loved and lost, showing His deep compassion and humanity. She was proud of her Cherokee heritage and found inspiration in knowing her grandfathers, all the way back to the Trail of Tears, were preachers who loved Jesus and shared His message with others. Nana also took great pride in her “well-behaved dogs,” who brought her endless joy and comfort.
Nana’s creativity and passion were evident in her many hobbies, which included jewelry making, crochet, soap making, candle making, beading, and painting. She poured her love into everything she created, leaving behind not only cherished memories but also tangible pieces of her heart through her handmade crafts. Her life was a testament to love, family, and faith, and she leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished forever.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions to help with memorial expenses. Donations can be sent via Cash App to: $LynnSolem. Your generosity and support are deeply appreciated during this difficult time.
- Date of Death: 11/19/2024
- Age: 70
- Residence: Sonora, California
- Celebration of Life: A Celebration of Life will be held on December 14, 2024, at noon at The Connection Church, 14326 Tuolumne Rd., Sonora, CA 95370.
