Obituary of Edna Nelson

Edna Evelyn Nelson of Camrose passed away on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at the age of 99 years. Edna was born to Arthur and Carrie Zimmerman on the family farm at Kelsey. She passed away peacefully at Camrose at the age of 99 years. Edna was the eldest of seven children - Cleda, Paul, Nettie, Gerald, Mearl, and Earl, joining half-brother Clarence Grove. Later, sister Glenna joined the family. In 1942, Walter and Edna were married and they lived on Walter's farm along with Walter's daughter Gail from a previous marriage. Five additional children joined Gail. Together, Edna and Walter farmed for 39 years in the Kelsey area. She retired from farming and moved to Camrose in 1988. Our Mom talked fondly of the years growing up on her childhood farm, she enjoyed her school years, playing games with her siblings, and helping in the garden. She took pleasure in her sewing and started at a very early age. She was making her own patterns and sewing dresses for her sisters, herself and her mother. Later in addition to sewing clothes for herself, she also sewed for her children and Walter. Mom then developed a love for sewing beautiful quilts, she was an artist in her own right, and had an eye for choosing the right fabrics and matching colours and patterns for her quilts. Her quilts were truly works of art. She loved to sew quilts for her children, grandchildren, for gifts and donations. Mom took pride in her flower gardens and enjoyed arranging flowers, taking home ribbons from the Camrose Horticulture Society competitions. She enjoyed many other hobbies including knitting and crocheting, and was always very particular about the quality of her work. In addition to her hobbies, she was very involved in Kelsey community activities including UCW, Kelsey United Church and Ladies Aid, canvassing for the Cancer Society for more than 20 years, and later in activities and organizations in Camrose. Edna and Walter were fortunate enough to travel to many countries together as well as numerous camping trips. After Dad passed away, Mom continued to go on many trips with friends or her siblings. Mom and Dad cherished going to dances and spent many an evening after supper dancing to old-time records at home. They also enjoyed curling together. Her family provided much enjoyment for her - family gatherings and cooking for her family brought her much happiness. She was an excellent cook, and we all still try to duplicate her potato salad. While we think we have come close, a regular family joke is that we are not sure it tastes as good as Mom's. Grandma Nelson loved rocking all her grandchildren as she had a touch that could calm the babies. She enjoyed playing cards and games with friends and family, especially playing rummy and dominos with her grandchildren. Music brought her joy and she sang in many choirs throughout the years. For many years, Edna, as well as her brothers and Nettie would go for weekly Tuesday night dinners in Camrose. She appreciated this time with her siblings, it was an outing she always looked forward to. Our Mom had a mindset that was before her time, always practical, and able to offer advice if needed. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. We will miss you Mom - you lived your life to the fullest, finding joy in your family, friends, and your activities, and demonstrating gratefulness and generosity. Thank you for all you have done for us and given us. Left to cherish her memory are her children Gail Bodwell, Barbara (Dennis) Anderson, Joan (Peter) Scheie, Kathryn Penn, and Brian Nelson; daughter-in-law Beverly Nelson; nineteen grandchildren; as well as numerous great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Also left to cherish her memory are two brothers Gerald and Earl and two sisters Nettie Gerber and Glenna (John) Adams. She was predeceased by her husband Walter; son Dennis; son-in-law Donald Bodwell; brothers Clarence, Paul, and Mearl; and sister Cleda. A Funeral Service was held at 1:00 p.m., Monday April 16, 2018 from the CityLights Church with Rev. Brian Hunter officiating. Inurnment has taken place in the Melville Cemetery. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Alzheimer Society, or to the charity of one's choice.