NELLIE LAVINIA SMITH (HUTSON) (MEADS)

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NELLIE LAVINIA SMITH ( HUTSON) (nee MEADS) August 30, 1913 - June 6, 2014 Aunt Nell died as peacefully as she lived, with her family by her side at Rosewood Lodge Personal Care Home, Stonewall. She was born in Calverton, Nottinghamshire England, third of nine children to Arthur and Maria Meads (Wright). Her father worked as a tenant farmer and wanted to farm his own land more than anything else. He also worried that another war would break out even though the First World War had just ended. In 1923, Nell's oldest brother Arthur died and later that year, baby Lillian. This made her dad even more determined to leave England and start a new life in Canada even though Mum and Dad were in their 40s. They arrived in Canada after nine days on the boat in St. John, Nova Scotia and made their final way to Manitoba via train. They settled on a farm in the Grassmere District, south of Stonewall. Nell continued her education at the Tecumseh school passing her Grade 8 exams. She wanted to continue her education in Stonewall but her Mum was ill so Nell was made to stay home to look after the household and two youngest sisters, Vi and Win. The family attended the Grassmere Baptist Church where she played the pedal organ when she could barely reach the pedals. She worked in Winnipeg at various jobs and then came back to Stonewall to work for Bill Taylor when her dad became ill in 1942. She always contributed her paycheque to help Mum and Dad out. With her first cheque she bought an electric washing machine for her parents. Nell's love of music led her to become involved in various musical activities. She played the organ for various rural Anglican Churches and for Knox Presbyterian Church from 1954 to 1958. She played for the Rebekah's and was a Charter and then Lifetime Member of the Acadia Rebekah Lodge No. 4. In 1958 Nell took over as the organist at the Church of Ascension and in 1966 she took over as Choir Director. She served God by singing and playing for 34 years. In May 1954, Nell married Harold Hutson. They travelled often to their cabin, fishing and relaxing on the island Harold owned at Black Sturgeon Lake, Ontario. A favourite was a trip back to England and the countless trips to Winnipeg to attend the many musicals. She enjoyed being stepmum to Bryan and Joel Hutson. Harold died in 1966. After Harold's death, Nell was asked to take in two foster children, Marie and Archie Delorme. Due to financial constraints, she was only able to care for Marie and Archie for one year, "the best year of my life" she said many times. Then a friend, Lynn Mann asked Nell if she could take over teaching her piano students while Lynn was ill. This started a career of teaching piano students. Over the years she counted roughly 58 different students she helped learn her love of music. In August 1971 Nell married Jim Smith and they were able to enjoy countless bus trips and vacationed every summer in Gimli. Jim died in 1997. Nell's brother John (Emma) died in 1991, sister Mary (Jim Walker) in 2002, sister Viola (Ken Appleyard) in 2003, brother Frank in 2004, and brother Albert in 2006. She is mourned by her youngest sister Winnifred Alice Doak of Ottawa and sisters-in-law Irene and Mabel Meads. Numerous nieces and nephews will also cherish her memory. Aunt Nell lived her life according to her faith in a kind and gentle manner. Family was the most important thing in the world to her. Aunt Nell had an extraordinary memory and kept contact with many friends and family near and far. She always took a keen interest in their lives and the world in general. Other than playing the piano, her favourite activity was doing the daily crossword puzzle until she moved in 2010. She loved her phone calls to her sister Win and sister-in-law Irene. The family would like to thank Cathy Rudyk and all the wonderful home care gals who helped her stay in her own apartment at Stonewood until she paneled herself for Rosewood Lodge. When she moved in 2010 she gained a new family in the staff at Rosewood Lodge Personal Care Home. Each and everyone of you made her feel like she was part of your family and she appreciated everything. A special thank you to her friends Jack and Mary Place, Gladys Watkinson, Kitty Stewart, Beth Litton, Hannie Fryer, Colin and Linda-Faye Chapman and the ACW Visitation Committee. Viewing will be held Friday, June 13, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall. Funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m. at the Stonewall Anglican Church of the Ascension. Donations can be made to Rosewood Lodge Activities Department, c/o Carrie Munroe. Please specify your donation is for entertainment. Nell loved music and played the organ in the TV room two days before she died. She was often too tired to go and partake, but she loved to listen. MACKENZIE FUNERAL HOME STONEWALL 204-467-2525 mackhome@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 11, 2014