Obituary of Eileen NELSON

Eileen Gladys Nelson of Moose Jaw, and formerly Fir Mountain and Lafleche, SK, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2013, at the age of 79. She courageously fought her battle of health issues for several years. She loved being with her family and was grateful for the quality time she spent with each of them in the past months. Eileen was born May 29, 1934, to Marvin and Emily Anderson, in Rabbit Lake, SK. In 1936 they moved to the Fir Mountain area via covered wagon. She rode horseback to attend Macworth, Lonesome Butte and Fir Mountain Schools. Eileen enjoyed working as a nanny before marrying Oscar Nelson on June 18, 1951. They had 5 children and made Fir Mountain their home for the next 43 years. Not only busy with her own children but they also helped raise a very special niece and took in others when their parents needed some help. It was a busy time with lots of lunches to pack, but she never complained. They farmed, kept cattle, pigs and chickens and always grew a large garden. During this time Eileen became a master at picking berries, canning fruits and vegetables, making pickles and baking bread and pastries. Every Sunday they would be off to church, where she sang in the choir. Eileen was always active in the UCW and Ladies Auxiliary. She also spent many hours at the curling rink, enjoying the game and working in the kitchen. She was a self-taught seamstress and sewed several wedding dresses, grad gowns and clothing for family and friends. Her community service was always important to her and she was proud to receive the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal for her excellence in community service in 2005. She loved to knit and crochet, but her passion was quilting. We are not sure how many quilts she made but Eileen made sure there was one for every one in the family and lots more. Eileen loved to dance, play cards and just get together with friends. Traveling was something else she loved to do, whether in a camper, airplane or cruise ship. All of which she was able to experience. Her travels to see family and friends, go to fish camp or Jamaica were equally important to her, knowing she was with the people she loved. In 1994 Eileen and Oscar sold the farm and moved to Lafleche. During this time, Eileen continued her service to the United Church and spent lots of time visiting with their new neighbors and of course quilting. Oscar became ill and passed away on May 17, 2001. Being so close to their 50th anniversary it was a huge blow to Eileen, but she managed to carry on with a smile. In 2006 she left Lafleche and moved to Moose Jaw, to be closer to her family. While there she became active in TOPS, joined a Quilting Guild, took aqua fit class and went dancing every chance she could. She was thrilled when she made the decision to buy her first new home in 2009. It was here that we celebrated her 75th Birthday and several holidays with the whole family present. Due to health conditions she sold her house in August 2013 and moved into Mulberry Estates. Eileen lived a full and happy life, always had a positive outlook and carried on with her great sense of humor. She said if she could do it all over, she wouldn’t change a thing. A total RE DO as she wrote. Eileen is survived by her loving family, daughter Judy Yahnke (Roy); son Harley Nelson (Susan); daughter Beverly Nelson (Rob); son Randy Nelson (Maureen); son Gary Nelson; very special niece Betty-Ann Tallon (Pat); 12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Oscar Nelson (2001); parents Marvin and Emily Anderson (nee Johnston); daughter-in-law Judy Nelson; granddaughter Jodi Yahnke; sisters Beryl Lohse (Eldon), Bernice Harden (Bucky); brother-in-law Albert Nelson (Liose); sister-in-law Olive Stull (Ralph). Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, October 23, 2013, at the Fir Mountain Hall, Fir Mountain, SK, with Reverend Mathias Ross officiant. Interment took place at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Eileen to the Fir Mountain Hall, c/o Bill Greffard, Box 192, Glentworth, SK S0H 1V0, are greatly appreciated.