Obituary of NELLIE FRANCIS HANEL

NELLIE FRANCIS HANEL 1916 - 2016 Peacefully, on Wednesday morning, March 16, 2016, Nellie Hanel passed away at Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg at the age of 99 with family at her side. Nellie will be greatly missed by her son Tom Hanel (Jennifer), grandsons Devon Hanel and Kurt Hanel, nephews Gordon Mozell (Donna) and Frank Hanel (Donna), great-nephew Chris Mozell (Katie) and many close friends and relatives. Nellie was predeceased by her husband Joseph in 1987, son Jeff Hanel in 1986, mother Catherine Mozel in 1992, sister Mary Mozel in 2010, brother Joseph Mozel in 2005 (Ruth nee Brownbridge in 2002), brother Bill Mozell in 1988, nephew Jack Mozell in 1966, and father John Mozel in 1959. In her early working years, Nellie was employed at the local canning factory and for Bird Construction. After her marriage to Joe Hanel, she devoted her attention to homemaking, gardening, and being a wonderful mother to her two sons. She loved to cook and bake and family and friends were consistently rewarded with jars of her highly regarded homemade pickles and preserves. Grandsons Devon and Kurt always looked forward to her cinnamon buns, cakes and constant supply of cookies. Nellie was born April 23rd, 1916 in Winnipeg and lived all her life in East Kildonan. Until her move to Concordia Place last year, Nellie resided for 65 years in the home in which she raised her family. She cherished the dear friendships she developed with her neighbours. A Boxing Day tradition was begun of getting together for a party at alternating houses. For 26 years, Nellie participated in the delightful get-togethers with the exception of a single year during which she became seriously ill and was unable to attend despite her will to do so. This past Boxing Day was her last and she came back to the personal care home late that evening with the staff fondly saying that the oldest resident went out partying and stayed out the latest! The family lakefront cottage at Lake Winnipeg was Nellie’s favourite place away from home. She loved to be outdoors and, at the age of 96, she was still raking the leaves and sweeping the cobwebs off of the cottage. Until she stopped driving in her early nineties, she packed her car with supplies and her beloved Tuxedo cat, Alex, and drove up to the lake. Nellie’s first time on an airplane was at the age of 90 when she, Tom, Jennifer, Devon, Kurt and Jennifer’s elderly mother and Nellie’s good friend, Jean Nicholson, vacationed in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The following year, this travel group went to Huatulco, Mexico and later also enjoyed several days in Las Vegas, Nevada. With the passing of her beloved mother at the age of 104 and later the decline in health of her sister Mary, Nellie selflessly devoted many years of loving companionship and assistance to her disabled sister and tended to her daily until Mary’s passing in 2010. Nellie survived a major stroke in December 2014 and made an almost complete recovery which allowed her one more precious year to enjoy her beloved grandsons (and, of course, still get out to the cottage!). “Granny” was, for so long, looking forward to her 100th birthday party on April 23. However, as we now understand, God had other plans for her. She leaves behind a loving family but goes having lived a long, full life, a century touched with purpose, humour and grace. The family extends many thanks to Dr. Darcy Johnson, who was her physician for many years and gave her the utmost care. Thanks also to all at Concordia Place Personal Care Home, especially Dr. David Martin and the third floor staff, for their wonderful care and attention during her year-long stay. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 23rd at 11:00 a.m. (10:50 a.m. Eulogy) at St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, Munroe Ave. and Brazier St.. Refreshments will be served at St. Alphonsus Hall immediately after the church service. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Alphonsus Church, 341 Munroe Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2K 1H2 or the Winnipeg Humane Society.