Born at home on the farm near Manor and Wauchope, Saskatchewan to Johanna and Antoon Vreys, who emigrated from Lommel, Belgium. Nellie was always proud of her Belgian heritage and her birth name of Peternella. Nell left Saskatchewan at age 19 for an opportunity to study at a beauty college in Calgary to pursue her dream of becoming a hairdresser. After this achievement, she met the love of her life Warren Haraldson at Burns foods, where they were both employed.
Nell married Warren on October 8, 1949 at St Mary's Cathedral in Calgary and shared 61 years of marriage. Nell and Warren were loving parents to Brenda (Don Dumais), John (Lori Neal) and Debbie (Doug Bretin). She loved and treasured her grandchildren, Derek (Lisa) Michelle (Morgan) Cody, Cory (Christine) Holly, Kaylee, Colin (Karin) and Cory. Nell adored little children especially her great-grandchildren Kora, Ella and Hansen. Nell will be sadly missed by her cherished nieces and nephews and wonderful friends. She always looked forward to her lengthy telephone visits with each one of them. Over her lifetime, her love was shared through the preparation and presentation of scrumptious meals and baking. Nothing made her happier than feeding everyone who came to visit! In her younger years, when her vision was better she spent hours knitting family members gorgeous Cowichan Sweaters and sewing projects, yet still found some time to fit in some part-time employment at K Mart. As an active volunteer for Girl Guides of Canada and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, she was honoured with long time service awards. Also a founding member of St. Gerard's CWL, she continued to be part of this parish for over 50 years. Nell loved having her holiday visits back home in Saskatchewan spending time with her sisters, brother and their families. These wonderful times were filled with lots of laughter, love and reminiscing.
Nell was predeceased by Warren, her youngest sister Annie and brother-in-laws George, Rennie, Aurel and Eloi. Nellie is survived by her sisters, Kay Truman of Brooks, Louise Bailey of Rosetown and brother, Jack (Jean) Vreys of Maryfield. Nell's children and grandchildren and spouses were with her on the day of her passing and shared with her the blessings of their loving care, comfort and prayers, as she joined Warren and entered their eternal life together.
A Celebration of Nell’s Life will be held at SOUTH CALGARY FUNERAL CENTRE, 12700 Macleod Trail South (at Lake Fraser Gate), on Monday, April 11, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.
If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to Alzheimer Society of Calgary, #201, 222 – 58 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2H 2S3.
Messages of remembrance may be left for the family at www.southcalgaryfuneralcentre.ca
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