Nellie passed away April 26, 2014 at Newmarket Manor in Tisdale at the age of 98 years. Nellie was born at home to Margaret and Arthur McConnell, and was raised on the farm homestead northwest of Tisdale with her five siblings; she was the third born into a family of six.
Nellie married Leslie the love of her life in 1935 and they settled into mixed farm life northwest of Tisdale where they raised three children, Jim, Duff and Marlene. It was a good life, mixed with a lot of hard work, but also a lot of joy and fulfillment. When Duff and Marg moved home to the farm, Les and Nellie were then able to semi-retire. They made many wonderful trips to British Columbia in the winter, where they enjoyed visiting relatives, fishing and other activities. It was during this time that Nellie took up hobbies some of which included pottery and ceramics. They also loved to fish, both at the coast and at home on Saskatchewan's beautiful northern lakes. They enjoyed this lifestyle until she lost Les to a hunting accident in 1971. Family and good friends sustained her through this great loss. Nellie was an excellent life partner and wife to Les, as well as mother, and great support and friend to other family members.
In the earlier years, she was very active in the Hanover district. When they moved to Tisdale, Nellie became more involved in the Presbyterian Church , and enjoyed serving on the Women's Missionary Society Auxiliary, as well as being part of many other activities associated with the church. These people were steadfast and true friends over the years. Nellie enjoyed traveling; she made some wonderful trips, always with a good friend or family member. When at home, she kept in shape by bowling, regular early morning walks with friends, and exercising at the Golden Age Centre.
Nellie also enjoyed helping out her family by coming for a visit and cooking and baking; and just being there when needed. She was an integral part of our lives. The grandchildren always referred to her as "Nanny" and enjoyed her company as much as she enjoyed theirs. It was a blessing to have her at every occasion possible: Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, birthdays and other gatherings, around which wonderful and joyful memories have been built.
Nellie remained in the home Les and she shared in Tisdale for a number of years before moving to an apartment in the northeast part of Tisdale. It was in 2005 that she moved to Maple Ridge apartments where she remained until moving to Bev's Care Home in Kinistino in October, 2010. In September of 2013, she moved to Newmarket Manor where she resided until her passing. A sincere thank you to Bev and staff at Bev's Care Home, as well as Newmarket Manor staff; the kindness, care and assistance given to Nellie has been very much appreciated by her family.
Nellie was predeceased by her parents Arthur and Margaret McConnell, husband Les, baby daughter Joan, brother Alfred, sister-in-law Bunny, brother Gilbert and first wife Emily, second wife Bea, brothers-in-law: Lyle Stephenson, Bob Boyd, Reg Stacey and sister-in-law Isabel. She is also predeceased by Les's parents Albert and Isabella Fenton, Les's brother Geordie, and sisters Addie (Harvey) and Eunice (Jack).
Left to cherish Nellie's memory are her three children Jim (Irene), Duff (Marg) and Marlene (Albert); ten grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, sisters Alice and Bertha and brother Raymond (Evelyn); Albert's three children and eight grandchildren; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Nellie's quiet faith in God was always there. He provided her with good friends and a loving family. She will be affectionately and lovingly missed and remembered.

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