Advanced Search:


Regular Search
ad
❮ Go Back to Listings
STELLA NELSON Obituary pic STELLA NELSON Obituary pic

STELLA NELSON

Born: Nov 08, 1924

Date of Passing: Dec 13, 2020

Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

STELLA NELSON
1924 - 2020

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved mother and nanny on December 13, 2020, at the age of 96, with family by her side.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Sharon Melnychuk (Norm) and Bev Kowal (Perry); her grandchildren, Ian (Andrea), Jan (Dave), Holly (Matt), Carla (Kim), and Nolan; great-grandchildren, Kinley, Carson, and Julian.
Stella also leaves to mourn her passing brothers, Peter and Mervin (Pat); along with many nieces and nephews.
Stella's beloved husband, our dad, Hillary (Al), predeceased her in 1997. They were married on July 1, 1944 and were fortunate to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 1994 with all those that they loved. She was also predeceased by her siblings, Matt, Elsie, Thelma, and Anne.
Mom was born on a farm in Seech, Manitoba on November 8, 1924 to Mary and Paul Penuita, making the brave decision to move to the city in her late teens.
In December 1961 she was hired by Canada Post, where she worked for 27 years, making numerous friends with whom she kept in touch even after retirement.
In 1955 her brother Matt built a cottage at Eleanor Lake, which led to a great love for the Whiteshell Provincial Park for both her and our dad. In 1970 they started their own adventure, and purchased their own cottage at Eleanor Lake, which they took immense pride in rebuilding in 1990. Mom and Dad worked tirelessly at the cottage, and showed us that anything was possible if you worked hard enough for it.
The lake was Stella's favourite place, and she enjoyed it well into her 96th year. It is where she saw three generations of her family grow up and grow close together. She enjoyed every moment of the kids catching fish, feeding chipmunks, or learning to water ski. Of course, each trip to the lake required a stop to buy a lottery ticket at Seven Sisters, and she would treat everyone to ice cream on the drive home.
Mom enjoyed picking berries and mushrooms, polka night on the radio, and Saturday night saunas with her Finnish neighbours which led to many beautiful moonlight swims. She and Dad also shared many visits full of fun and laughter with longtime friends Margaret and Billy Peters at their cabin on Jessica Lake. Her cooking was second to none, and it was only in her later years that she would start to share her many chef secrets. Even now with the knowledge of those secrets, our cooking will never compare.
Stella was a member of Kildonan Community Church, and had many special friends there. Following each service Mom always enjoyed coffee and dainties, but especially the camaraderie with the ladies.
She enjoyed breakfasts with her brothers, Peter and Mervin, and she and Peter always compared whose tomato seedlings would come up first every spring.
Blessed with good health, she remained in her own home with a huge garden and flowers to envy. Her mind remained as sharp as ever until she passed, and would often correct us on our recollections. Stella was a positive person, extremely determined, friendly, gentle, and fiercely independent. She was clever and strong in ways we could only hope to be.
Mom was always so proud of her family, and was always available to them.

Thank you so much for being so available to us. May God care for you as you cared for us.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date when family and friends can gather.

Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenedenmemorial.ca

Glen Eden Funeral Home
204-338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 26, 2020

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

  • Sharon and Norm, was very sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom/Mother-in-law. Sharon you always spoke so highly of your Mom and from reading this, it is easy to see. May God wrap his arms around you all and provide you all with all the love and support you will need during this difficult time. Sending you much love and virtual hugs.. - Posted by: Judie Schnell (friend of Sharon's) on: Dec 31, 2020

  • Dear family I was saddened to hear of Stella’s passing.What an amazing life she lived We were neighbours growing up and Stella & Al were the best neighbours. Stella was the kindest most generous lady.Her beautiful smile and contagious laugh I will always remember fondly. I was so happy to talk to her at Sharon’s and her memory was so sharp I only hope my memory will be that sharp when I am 96 As usual she was more concerned how I was doing after the loss of my dear husband.Larry. Our family connection.spans over 60 or more years.Sharing many Happy occasions our Wedding,Our daughters wedding ,Anniversaries and memorials.Mom & Stella berry picking. Stella & Al shared so many happy times with my Mom & Dad Margaret & Bill Peters.There was always so much laughter and fun.They will be having one heck of a party in heaven sharing more fun times.It is difficult to tell in a few lines the life of this lovely lady.She will be missed. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal but Love leaves memories no one can steal. To live in the hearts of those you leave behind is to never die and Stella will remain in our hearts forever. Love & Hugs to all Stella’s family ❤️❤️ - Posted by: Marlyn Harding (Lifelong family friend) on: Dec 30, 2020

  • Sharon and Norm and family, my condolences on the loss of your mom and grandmother She sounded like the most amazing person. May your memories give you peace - Posted by: Patti Timlinson (Friend of her daughter ) on: Dec 27, 2020

  • Stella was a wonderful co-worker, always smiling and friendly...my condolences! Mike Bonnie a fellow Canada Post retiree - Posted by: Mike Bonnie (Former fellow worker) on: Dec 27, 2020

  • I was so sorry to learn of Mrs. Nelson’s passing. At the same time, the thought of her made me smile. I have lots of memories of visits with the Nelson family at my Grandparents house. What stands out most was Mrs. Nelson’s bright smile and laughter that filled the room. She spread happiness to anyone lucky enough to be in her presence. She was the sweetest and most kind lady I have ever known. I imagine Mr. and Mrs Nelson, together with my Grandparents having a polka party and laughing at the envy of many. Our deepest condolences and may you find comfort in the endless special memories that they gave you all. xo - Posted by: Cathy and Glenn Cordy and Family (Granddaughter of Bill and Margaret Peters) on: Dec 27, 2020

  • What a wonderful life. . .so well lived and so appreciated by so many! Stella had a smile that would light up a room and a positive attitude that was amazing! Her many talents were revered and she made everything look effortless. We have many fond memories of times spent at Eleanor Lake and family times on Pritchard Avenue. Stella's wonderful spirit and legacy of love will live on in her family and all who knew and loved her. Our loving and heartfelt condolences to all the family. May treasured memories help to ease your great loss. - Posted by: Ken and Linda Boughton (Life-long friends) on: Dec 26, 2020

  • Dear Family, We are thinking of you and extend our sincere sympathies in these difficult times. We wish you comfort and peace. Al and I will miss our “chats” with dear Nanny Stella at Ian’s and Andrea’s family gatherings. May the beautiful memories of your dear Mother, Grandmother and Great grandmother and especially her love for her family, her gardens, the lake... and life with all its ups and downs... inspire and be with you forever. Please accept our deepest condolences, Barbara and Al Zaporzan - Posted by: Al and Barbara Zaporzan (Family acquaintance ) on: Dec 26, 2020

Glen Eden Funeral Home & Cemetery

Glen Eden Funeral Home & Cemetery

4477 Main St. (Map)
Ph: 2043387111 | Visit Website

❮ Go Back to Listings