NELL (IOLA ELEANOR) WILSON

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NELL (IOLA ELEANOR) WILSON After a long wait for God to take her home, Nell (Iola Eleanor) Wilson (nee Varley) peacefully departed this world on August 2, 2002 at Tuxedo Villa in Winnipeg, surrounded by loved ones. Her mind remained clear until her final goodbye. Nell was born in Manitou, MB in 1906. She attended Normal School there, beginning a career that spanned nearly 40 years. Her teaching took her from rural one-room schools at Wood Bay, Mowbray, Swan River and Lake Lorne to Britannia School in St. James and eventually to Warren, where she taught until her retirement in 1968. She met Toby Wilson while teaching at Lake Lorne School near Neelin. They were married in Yorkton, SK where he was stationed with the Air Force, in 1941. They moved back to the Neelin area in 1946, and eventually to Warren in 1957. In 1995, they moved to Lions Manor in Stonewall. Nell is survived by daughters, Margaret (Ken) Riddell and Diane (Gordon) Murison; and grandchildren, Tim (Laura) Riddell, Scott (Stacey) Riddell and Deanna Riddell; David (Heather) Murison and Tracey Laing. Her great-grandchildren were a source of much pride and joy: Nicholas Laing, Jordan Riddell, Gareth Murison, Elizabeth Riddell, Cole Riddell, and Alysa and Kyle McIntosh, all held a special place in her heart. She is also survived by one sister, Margaret Durham of Manitou. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Toby in 1998, and by brothers, Frank, Bob and Fred Varley. In their retirement, Nell and Toby enjoyed spending winters in Weslaco, TX. They travelled extensively, visiting Hawaii, Alaska, the East Coast, and much of Canada and the United States. Nell loved teaching. Even in the last months of her life, her face would still light up at the mention of a child learning something new. She always felt a special affinity with children who struggled, whether academically or socially. She was an accomplished pianist before arthritis took its toll on her hands, and she particularly enjoyed teaching music. Her classes won many awards for their musical and choral performances at the Rockwood Music Festival. Nell led the Warren United Church Junior Choir for several years, and she sang in the Senior Choir. She greatly enjoyed the circle of good friends with whom she regularly played canasta in Warren. In her younger years, Nell curled, skiied, and played tennis and basketball. Arthritis forced her to give up these activities in favour of spectator sports. She became an avid Toronto Blue Jays fan, and even travelled to Minneapolis to watch them play when she was 86 years old. In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations in Nell Wilsons memory may be made to The Arthritis Society, Manitoba Division, 386 Broadway, Suite 105, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3R6. A memorial service will be held at the Warren United Church on Saturday, August 10 at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Bev Ward will officiate. Every student who ever sat in "Mrs. Wilsons Class" will be considered an honorary pallbearer. MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 08, 2002