IRENE NELSON-WILLIAMS

August 13, 1922 ~ September 19, 2013

Mrs. Irene Nelson-Williams of Medicine Hat, born on August 13, 1922 in Delia, Alberta, passed away on September 19, 2013, at the age of 91 years. Irene was the first child of Alma and Arthur Hoover.  She was predeceased by her husband of 35 years, Norman Nelson.  Later in life, Mom married Leigh Williams, her husband of 17 years, until his passing in 2010.  Also waiting for Mom are her children, Janie, Deanna and Kevin.  Irene was also predeceased by other family members including, Arthur Hoover, Erik Nelson, Neil McNeill, Marion and Don McNeill, Howard and Helen Hoover, Harold Mueller, Cecil Hoover, and John and Bertha Williams.  Irene is survived by her sisters, Lorna Mueller, Verna McNeill and Charlotte Hoover.  Her memory will be cherished by her children, Judy (Al) Cruickshank, Garry (Jan) Nelson, Wendy (Terry) Jacobsen, Harold (Lucy) Stiansen, Elizabeth Nelson, Susan Nelson and Jan Annette;  step-children, Jack (Wendy) Williams, Cheryl Hartwell and Donna (John) Graham; her loving grandchildren, Curtis (Cindy) Cruickshank, Danny (Jen) Cruickshank, Karli (Derek) Hammel, Mathew Cruickshank, Trevor, Tasha and Justin Nelson, Erik and Sarah (Dustin) Nelson, Jonathan (Naomi) Stiansen, Jacquelyn and Stuart Jacobsen;  great grandchildren, Aaliyah, Lauryn and Ivy Cruickshank.  She is also survived by step-grandchildren, Dean (Farrah) Williams, David Williams, Tyler and Tyson (Kari) Hartwell, Ben Graham, Anne (Mark) Dyck; step-great-grandchildren, Elyssa, Ashley, Dylan, Abby, Calder, Graham, Laura, and Griffin.
Eldest of seven children, Irene was raised on the family farm at Delia, Alberta, and life on a prairie farm was full of love and family ties.  She attended Big Valley High School and developed many life-long friendships while there and brought new acquaintances who added life to the farm.  Irene attended Normal School in Calgary to begin a teaching career.  During World War II, she was called to work in an airplane factory in Calgary.  Irene and her sister, Marion completed their first class certification in Edmonton in 1944.  She went on to teach in many locations.
Norman and Irene Nelson were married in 1948, raising six children on the family farm at Craigmyle.  Although she experienced many personal losses through the years, her personal strength, attention and commitment to her family continued to enrich us.  Irene endured remarkable circumstances that many do not experience yet continued being the genuine, welcoming and kind person that will always define her.  She left a legacy of love and was a true masterpiece who kept her family and friends close to her heart.  Irene was a master chef, seamstress extraordinaire, creative genius (all true) and engrained solid family values in all of us.  She shared her talents with family, friends and community; her hospitality always reflected her respect and love for others. In Uncle Howard’s words, “Going to see Rene and her family was a treat. She could make some mean candy, bread or anything you could imagine.  Every visit was an adventure!”
Mom and Dad opened a very successful flower shop, “Nelson Flowers,” on the family farm serving the area for many years.  They will be remembered for their Christmas open houses, bedding out plants, beautiful fresh and silk arrangements. Irene continued living on the family farm for many years following Norman’s passing.
In 1993, Irene married Leigh Williams and resided on the William’s Farm at Arrowwood, Alberta. New friendships developed through family ties in that community.  Leigh supported Irene’s zest for life as she attended classes in Calgary and learned to paint.  She also made many Teddy Bears for family and friends.  Irene and Leigh had a rich fulfilling life in Arrowwood and will be remembered for their talents and dedication to family and friends.  In 2008, they moved to Medicine Hat where they resided at Meadowlands Retirement home until their passing.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Tuesday, September 24, 2013, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  The Funeral Service will be Celebrated at Westminster United Church, 101 – 6 Street S.E., Medicine Hat on Wednesday, September 25, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Jim Hillson officiating.  Interment will take place on October 5, 2013 at the Craigmyle Cemetery at 2:00pm.  Her son Kevin will be laid to rest with her at that time.   (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com).  If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society, Box 2500, Medicine Hat, Alberta. T1A 8G8.   Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta  T1A 4V4   Phone 403-527-6455.