NELLIE LOUISE MCGOWAN

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NELLIE LOUISE MCGOWAN It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Nellie McGowan on Mother's Day May 8, 2011 at Third Crossing Manor, Gladstone, Manitoba. She left this world peacefully with family by her side. Nellie Louise was born on the farm at Golden Stream in the RM of Westbourne on January 30, 1929, to Clarence and Annie Olson (nee Reshaur), the oldest of five children. Nellie attended Golden Stream School and took her Grade 9 by correspondence. At school, Mum met our Dad, Verne McGowan and they were married on October 7, 1948 at the farm. To this marriage a daughter Yvonne and a son Gerald were born. Mum and Dad farmed in the Golden Stream District for over 60 years moving from the farm in November 2007 to reside at Legion #110 Place in Gladstone. She had served on the Board of Legion Place prior to becoming a resident, only resigning due to ill health. She moved to Third Crossing Manor in November of 2009. Mum was a true farmer's wife assisting Dad wherever she could. After her family was raised she went to work off the farm at Carnation Foods in Carberry, Manitoba and later was employed as a health care aide at Third Crossing Manor for over 10 years. Into her retirement years she worked in home care in the community. She loved people and her community. While she enjoyed all her off the farm jobs, farming was her passion, working side by side with Dad. Mum was active throughout her life in her community. She supported nearly all the community organizations in some capacity. Her heart was particularly in the Royal Purple Ladies and Legion Ladies Auxiliary, for which she earned life memberships. She was truly honoured in 2008 receiving the highest award in the Legion Ladies Auxiliary with the Meritorious Service Award. She was truly proud to be recognized in this way. She is survived by husband Verne, of 62 years; daughter Yvonne (Robert) Ferguson, grandchildren Tammy (Todd) Ballingall and Leita (Ray) Piche, great-grandsons Sean and Nicholas Piche; son Gerald (Lee) McGowan, grandchildren Kari (Dean) Johnson, great-grandson Eric, Curtis (Kelley) McGowan and great-grandchildren Emmi and baby Luke; sister Irene (Jock) McIvor; brothers Lawrence (Shirley) Olson and Bob Olson; many special nieces and nephews as well as half sibling Sherri (Steve) Morden. She was predeceased by brother Almer; brother-in-law Lloyd McGowan; sisters-in-law Linda Olson and Lorraine McGowan. A loving wife and companion, a mother, a grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be truly missed. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Third Crossing Manor for their professional care and many kindnesses shown to her. She felt they were like her family. A Celebration of Nellie's life will be held Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Gladstone United Church. If so desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Third Crossing Manor Courtyard Fund, Box 1000, Gladstone, or the NorthWest Handi Transit, Box 757, Gladstone, MB R0J 0T0. Clarke's Funeral Home, Gladstone in care of arrangements. www.clarkesfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 11, 2011