NELDA (NELTJIE) CHRISTINA LABA

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NELDA (NELTJIE) CHRISTINA LABA (nee Selier) May 4, 1928 - January 4, 2009 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother Nelda Laba on Sunday, January 4, 2009 at River East Personal Care Home in Winnipeg, at the age of 80 years. Nelda was predeceased by her first husband Robert (Bob) Irwin (1965), and husband of 32 years, Frank Walter Laba (2007). Nelda leaves to mourn her passing; son Jack R. Irwin (Grace) of Winnipeg, daughter Julie Clemence of Saskatoon. Four brothers: Richard, Piet, Koos and Rob Selier and their wives and children, all of The Netherlands. Five granddaughters, Jacqueline of Calgary, Christy, Tracy and Bonny of Saskatoon, Sherry of Dawson Creek, BC. Step-sons Frank Laba Jr. of Winnipeg and John Laba of Whitemouth and their children; and 11 great-grandchildren. Nelda was born and raised in Rotterdam, Holland. After the Second World War, she met and married the first love in her life, a Canadian soldier named Robert (Bob) Irwin. She and Bob resided in Saskatoon for a short time, eventually farming at Biggar, SK. After losing her husband in 1965 Nelda visited Winnipeg where her son Jack lived and decided to make this her new home. This is where Nelda met Frank Laba; they were married in 1975 and moved to Prawda, MB. Nelda was an outgoing, generous person and enjoyed talking with everyone she met. She was also a natural born cook/baker extraordinaire . For a time she and her husband Frank operated the Shell Restaurant at Prawda and many week-end cottagers, sales people and tourists travelling East on the #1, would stop for a home cooked meal and one (or more) of Nelda's Giant Cinnamon Buns. With her husband Frank's death in 2007 Nelda's health continued to change and she resided at River East Personal Care Home. At this time the family would like to thank River East staff for their kindness and care; especially Evelyn, who first took Nelda under her wing (and staff of Courage Bay). Also, Kim, Myrna, Eileen, Darcy, Laura, Gene, Andrea, Maria, Janice (and staff of Charity Road). As well as many compassionate personnel who made a difference to Nelda's stay, for which we are grateful. Special thanks to family friend Al Johnston for dropping by to visit Nelda and bring her special treats or cookies, which she enjoyed so much! In keeping with Nelda's wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will have a private service at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 10, 2009