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Barbara Nelson (nee Schnurr)
1923 – 2021

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Barbara Nelson announces her passing on Saturday, February 20, 2021 in Moose Jaw, SK. Mom was predeceased by parents, Joseph and Theresa Schnurr, her grandson, Garrett, step-grandson, Clayton, and her oldest son Ried. She is survived her sister Pauline Kelly, her children Sharon (Bob) Brade, Stu (Carole Calvert), Shelley (Foster) Monson, Sheean (Julie) Nelson, Lori Nelson, Stacy (Laura Kristiansen) Nelson, Claude-dene (John) Demchenko and daughter-in-law, Lorraine Nelson, and 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Mom was born and raised in Regina, moving to southern Ontario with the family as a young teenager. She completed one year of business school after high school, excelling at typing and shorthand. She served with the RCAF during the war, before moving back to Regina to live with her oldest brother. Mom met our father in 1946 in Regina, and they married and settled in Moose Jaw. Mom ultimately raised her eight children on her own. She worked at many jobs, and sometimes two jobs, doing whatever she could to support our family. Mom began working full-time at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital in her early 50’s. She took a night class at STI to regain her rusty typing skills and applied successfully to be a Ward Clerk. She loved working and would never have quit if current retirement laws had been instituted by her 65th birthday. She loved her friends and family, enjoying vacations and excursions until her health interfered. In later years, when she could no longer travel, she volunteered at Providence Place and Ina Grafton Gage home. She continued to drive until she was well into her late eighties, only giving up her car when her vision began to fail. She made the choice herself stating, “I do not want to hurt anyone.” One of her favourite outings was the casino, and before that, bingo. She was lucky and would often win. She loved her friends, particularly her bestie, who we dubbed Auntie Flo, but to others, Florence Stevenson. Mom never got over Flo’s death, she missed her friend dearly and wished she would have been the one to go first. Mom was a taskmaster, but yet loving and giving. We will miss her so much. The family thanks the wonderful staff at Chateau St. Michael’s for their loving care and support of Mom and the family. A private family service will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of our mother can be made to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation to enhance equipment at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital. In living memory of Barbara, a memorial planting will be made by Jones-Parkview Funeral Services. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com or www.parkviewfuneralchapel.ca (Obituaries). Kelly Scott, Funeral Director.
 

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