Obituary of Louise Phyllis Nelson

NELSON: With great sadness our family announces the passing of Louise Phyllis Nelson (nee Zahodnik) on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at Brandon Regional Health Centre after a brief illness. She was the beloved wife of Floyd and loving mother to Tannis, Renald and Eric. Louise, our Mom, was born in Mountain Road, Manitoba to Harry and Jessie Zahodnik on June 26, 1931. She spent most of her early years in that area until moving to Brandon in the late 50's to join T. Eaton Company as a cosmetician. Mom met Dad while he was on leave from the DEW Line – she worked with his sister, Ruby. Our parents married after a short 4-month courtship on June 16, 1962. Mom quit her job upon marriage so she and Dad enjoyed a long honeymoon through western Canada and the northern U.S. Dad secured a job with Manitoba Telephone System in Brandon upon their return and babies followed: Tannis on February 11, 1964; Renald on October 31, 1966; and Eric on January 21, 1968. Mom was a devoted wife and mother. As we grew older, the Nelson house was the place for the neighbourhood kids to hang out. Mom was the "hostess with the mostest," making sure everyone had snacks and looking past the mess in the basement. She remained a stay-at-home Mom throughout our childhood. That meant that we could look forward to lunches that most kids could only dream about: favourites like lasagna, hamburgers, pancakes, macaroni and cheese; snacks like muffins, donuts and cinnamon buns – all homemade, of course. Our family enjoyed yearly summer camping trips, often to places our parents visited on their honeymoon. Mom was equally adept at building campfires and cooking over them. Many laughs were shared on the road and around the fire. About the time Eric hit his teens, Mom went back to work at Eaton's - this time in Men's Wear. She was a hard worker and enjoyed getting to know her young colleagues; they were always excited to see her, even years after her retirement. Upon retirement, Mom and Dad spent time travelling to Victoria, BC and to wherever their boys lived across Canada. They could also be found tending to their vegetable and flower gardens or at the Green Spot. Mom loved the outdoors and usually had her breakfast on their sunny patio during the summer months. As our family grew, our parents continued to host family gatherings with Mom cooking up a storm and Dad, her trusty sidekick, helping with clean-up. "Baba" loved and enjoyed all of her grandchildren. Mom was a nurturer and a loyal wife and friend. She had an easy laugh and a warm hug. She will be remembered with love and missed terribly. She is survived by her husband, Floyd; daughter, Tannis (special friend, Jeffrey) in Brandon; sons Renald (Diane) in Winnipeg and Eric (Karen) in Calgary; and 7 grandchildren: Charlean (fiancé, Corey), Chay, Brooklynn and Tanner Nelson in Calgary; and Emilie, Daniel and Erin Nelson in Winnipeg. She is also survived by her sister, Ruth (Morris) Pickering in Winnipeg; sister-in-law, Ruby Nelson in Edmonton; brother-in-law, Don (Isla) Nelson in Camrose, AB; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her infant son, David; her brother, Victor Zahodnik; parents Harry and Jessie Zahodnik; and sister-in-law, Dora Law. In celebration of Mom's life, a come-and-go tea will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2011 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the George Brockie Fellowship Centre at Brockie Donovan, 332 – 8th Street, Brandon. Cremation has taken place and a private graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mom's memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, #3 – 824 18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 5B7.