CONNIE NIELSEN

CONNIE NIELSEN
At the age of 74 years, with her daughter by her side, Connie Nielsen passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026. She joins her husband, Steve, in heaven.
Connie will be lovingly remembered by her children, Cheryl (Daniel), Kimber, Andrew (Allie) and Laura (Drew), and her six grandchildren, Amélie, Micah, Élise, Emma, Otto and Sofie.
Connie was born and raised in Standard, Alberta, the spirited daughter of Corrie and Ben Van Laar. She learned about life from her big brother, Barry, while helping care for her younger brothers, Bondi and “baby” Alvin (a title he would never outgrow in her heart). She deeply loved her family. The annual Nielsen and Van Laar family reunions were treasured, bringing together the people and relationships that meant so much to her.
From her mother, Connie learned three guiding values: the importance of God, the importance of family, and the importance of hard work. These teachings became the foundation of the life she lived and the love she gave to others.
Connie was known for her generosity, her infectious laugh, her love of music and books, and her sense of adventure. But perhaps what she will be remembered for most was her remarkable ability to build and nurture friendships, and to make people feel truly seen, heard and cared for.
Her friendships began in grade school with friends Margo and Donna, and continued through high school, where she met Steve, her best friend and life partner. Throughout the years that followed, she continued to find and foster friendships wherever life took her. At church, lasting friendships were made over countless cups of coffee, shared prayers and the common trials of raising children. At her nursing role in Home Care, she cared deeply for both her patients and her colleagues’ turned friends, finding joy in everyday moments and meaning in the connections she made. Even in her later years at Chartwell, Connie continued to form meaningful friendships and touch the lives of those around her.
Connie’s greatest pride and joy were her children. They grew up knowing her as Mom, but after her retirement and relocation to Edmonton, their relationship blossomed into something new. They came to know her not only as their mother, but also as a friend. That same warmth and affection extended to her grandchildren, with whom she delighted in every opportunity for fun and adventure.
More than anything, Connie had a gift for truly listening. She was someone people could turn to, knowing their hopes and dreams, fears and secrets, accomplishments and failures would all be received with care, kindness and respect. She made room for others to be wholly themselves, and she held their stories gently. These quiet moments of connection are among the memories her family and friends will treasure most.
We take comfort in knowing that Connie left this world with her sparkle still in her eyes – the same sparkle that made Steve fall in love with her more than 50 years ago. Their love story continues, and as they reunite with those who went before them, we take comfort in the love and legacy they leave behind.
Family and friends are welcome to celebrate her life at on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 1:00pm at Ellerslie Road Baptist Church (10603 Ellerslie Rd SW, Edmonton AB), with services supported by Park Place Funeral Home, Chapel & Crematorium.