ANTONIA (TONI) NELSON

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ANTONIA (TONI) NELSON

(nee PAULENCU)

I, Antonia (Toni) Nelson (nee Paulencu) died on January 6, 2026 at the age of 95. I was born at home on a farm in Leonard, MB and then moved to Winnipeg at the age of ten.

I was predeceased by my parents, Nikolai and Victoria Paulencu; brothers, John and George Paulencu; sister Pearl Lennox and Alexandria Paulencu in infancy.

I am survived by my sister Dominica; children, Terry (Bruce) in Winnipeg, Randy (Diana) in Halifax, Cindy in Calgary, Brenda (David) in Port Hope, as well as nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The most cherished and important times in my life were with my family, especially my children, grandchildren, beloved great-grandchildren and my many nieces and nephews. I found much enjoyment being with my friends and in my interesting careers. I also loved to travel, especially a trip to Romania I took with my dad when he was 83 years old.

At 83, I became a published author, writing a book about my father coming to Canada and my Romanian heritage. I was an advocate for women of abuse through my work on the Manitoba committee on wife abuse. I also worked with seniors at Age and Opportunity.

Cremation has already taken place. Internment will be held at a later date in Woodlands, MB.

Flowers gratefully declined. Donations to the cancer society research of Manitoba (breast cancer) or planting a tree in my memory would be appreciated.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 17, 2026