Nelia Callander

March 9 1920 – July 16 2015 (95 years)

Nelia passed away peacefully with family by her side at Cumberland Lodge on Thursday July 16th. Nelia is survived by her 5 children Geoff (Anne, Halifax), Barbara (Courtenay), John (Brenda, Edmonton), Alan (Brenda, Harrison), and Veronica (Penticton). She has 16 grandchildren: Tracey (Peter), Tara (Chris), Mark (Shanda), Michael (Kim), Silvie (Kevin), Davon (Adam), Nolan, Keith (Jen), Zach, Nicole, Devon, Quin, Andre, Renee, Rachel, Jonathan; 13 great grandchildren: Mark, Michael, Amanda, Aaron, Caitlyn, Kimberly, Aydrian, Breyann, Justyn, Tyanna, Austin, Isaac, Daxtyn; and 1 great-great grandchild: Nolan. Additionally, there are many nieces and nephews in Canada and Switzerland, and the many friends who were thought of as family. She was well-loved and will be dearly missed by her extended circle of family and friends.

Nelia was born and grew up part of a large family in Wohlen, Switzerland. In her early 20s, during the Second World War, she was a nurse in Britain. After the war she came to Canada as a widow with her infant son Geoff. In BC, she met and married Bob Callander, had 4 more children and lived in the Fraser Valley for many years before coming to the Comox Valley in 1980.

In the Comox Valley, Nelia has touched the lives of many people over the years, sharing her knowledge of cooking, sewing and gardening with others. Her creativity and welcoming personality were a focal point for the many family and friends who congregated at her home for Sunday dinners, holidays, and other celebrations until well into her 90s. Her elegant poise and manners belied her wit and the underlying prankster that she was! She spent many years participating in the community. She gave many hours of volunteer time to various organisations, including the early days of the Anderton Therapeutic Gardens. These gardens are where we will have a celebration of her life.

Please join us at the Gardens from 1-3:30 pm on Saturday July 25th, 2015.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Anderton Therapeutic Gardens Society (www.gardensonanderton.org).