NELLIE MARY HERDA (WITKO)

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NELLIE MARY HERDA (nee WITKO) On Saturday, October 23, 2004, Nellie Mary Herda, of Cooks Creek, MB, died in St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, after enduring several years of declining health. She was 91 years old. Nellie was predeceased by her husband Joseph Lawrence Herda in 1991 after nearly 60 years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her parents Andrew and Anna Witko; and her brothers, Frank, Tom, Kaszmir, Michael and Ted. She is survived by her daughter Irene (Ron) Stevens of Selkirk, MB; and two sons, Jim (Audrey) Herda of Cooks Creek and Douglas (Dang) Herda of Kemptville, ON; six grandchildren, Judy and Chris, Karen, Susan and Lori and Jason; six great-grandchildren, Etta, Skyla and Colton, Ryan, Mathew and Luke. Survivors also include her three sisters, Frances Szalanski of Kenora, ON, Alma (Bill) Horodyski and Steffie Melnyk, both of Winnipeg; and numerous nieces and nephews. Born January 13, 1913, Nellie lived on the family farm one mile west and one-half mile north of Garson and attended Garson school. She married a neighbour Joseph Herda, November 17, 1931. After spending several years on rented land in the Mayfield and Cooks Creek areas, the young couple were finally able to purchase an 80-acre farm at Cooks Creek where they established themselves for the rest of their lives. In addition to the farm, Joseph operated a threshing machine and a truck hauling gravel, grain, livestock and cordwood. He later became a licensed transfer operator before establishing in 1948 a service garage and an implement and car dealership in Oakbank, MB. All this while, Nellie tirelessly devoted herself to raising her family, maintaining the household and farm and supporting St. Michaels Roman Catholic Church which she attended regularly all her life. She took great pride in her garden, particularly the flowers. Nellie approached these tasks with a disarming smile, denoting an ability to look always on the bright side of life. To the end, never losing this buoyant disposition, she bore without complaint the mounting infirmities of age and ill health, fearful, as always, of imposing on others, yet ever grateful for small favours rendered. After the children had left home and Nellie was afforded some leisure time, she took up oil painting. Soon her house and those of her children were enlivened with her works from nature, especially of delicate flowers and brilliant leaves. She also enjoyed the companionship of working many summers in the restaurant at Elmhurst golf course. Her son Douglas, former RCMP officer, now retired, provided Nellie the opportunity for travel during the 1980s and early 1990s when he was posted as the RCMP liaison officer to Canadian Embassies and High Commissions in South East Asia. With her husband Joe, while he was still living, Nellie was able to visit Douglas at his postings in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore. With her cousin Theresa Bodner, Nellie also toured extensively by bus throughout Canada and the United States. The family wishes to thank the many individual persons in her community and in the health care field who have supported and sustained Nellie during trying times. Special thanks are offered to the following: first, to those staff members of the emergency department and of Ward 5E of the St. Boniface Hospital who provided superior and dedicated service to Nellie while she was a patient in their care; second, to the staff of Misericordia Hospital who provided personal care; and third, to those who provided the opportunity for Nellie to engage in uplifting social activities in her own community. Prayers will be held on Wednesday, October 27 (tonight) at 7:30 p.m. in the St. Michaels Roman Catholic Church in Cooks Creek. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 28 at 10:30 a.m., also in the church with Father Boguslaw Wardzinski officiating. Interment to follow in the Parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 6 - 200 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6, would be gratefully appreciated. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 27, 2004