Dorothy Irene Nelson

Dorothy Irene (Freed) Nelson

     It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dorothy Irene Nelson on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at Lions Prairie Manor in Portage la Prairie, at the age of 98.

     Dorothy is survived by her sister, Evelyn Cook, sons; Henry (Lynda), George (Lorraine), Dave (Norma) and John Kowerchuk (Liane), as well as many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She is predeceased by husband Charlie, infant daughter Edith, parents Cecil & Janet Freed, and sister Violet.

     Born on October 18th, 1923, in Million, MB, Dorothy was the eldest child of Cecil & Janet Freed.  Her early years were spent on the farm and when she was old enough, she went to live with her grandmother, Elizabeth Martin, in Eden to attend High School.  In 1938, Cecil & Janet moved their family to a farm in the Curtis area.  By then, Dorothy was beginning her training at Normal School in Winnipeg to become a teacher.  During her early teaching career, she taught at schools in La Riviere, Mount Pleasant, as well as East and West Curtis.

     In 1948, due to some maternal matchmaking, Dorothy met and married Charlie Nelson, who had returned from duty in the Royal Canadian Navy during WWII.  Charlie was dairy farming with his brother Ben, on a river lot between High Bluff and Poplar Point.  The couple built a new home on the farm and began to raise their family of four boys.  After a period at home, Dorothy once again began teaching; first at West Poplar Point, Mill Creek, Victoria School and finally finishing her career at Crescentview School.  Dorothy retired in 1985. 

     In retirement, Dorothy pursued several interests including the Poplar Point Horticultural Society, the Women’s Institute, the Assiniboine Seniors, and was also an active member of the St Anne’s Anglican Church.  She was the family historian, and we are lucky that she documented so much of the genealogy and family lore that would have otherwise been forgotten.  She even served as treasurer for the High Bluff History Book in 1998, helping to document and preserve the memories for future generations.

     Dorothy’s other passion was her grandchildren and was often found chauffeuring them to various activities.  Both she and Charlie especially enjoyed spending time with them on the family farm, sharing their love of animals, gardening and crafting.  Growing up during the Depression certainly left its mark and Dorothy could never be accused of wasting.  The produce from her prolific garden was carefully preserved by canning and stored for the winter months.  After Charlie’s death in 2003, Dorothy remained on the family farm for several years, eventually moving to the Lions Prairie Manor in 2014.

     A sincere thank you goes out to the staff at LPM who took such great care of Dorothy during her time there, especially during her final days.  Jackie and Dorothy shared a special connection, and her quiet, gentle disposition also endeared her to many others.  Another blessing was when Dorothy’s sister Evelyn moved in next door to her at the manor, and they were able to spend time together every day.

     In lieu of flowers, should friends so desire, donations can be made to the Lions Prairie Manor Foundation Inc., 24 – 9th St. SE, Portage la Prairie, MB   R1N 3V4 or to the charity of one’s choice. 

     A Viewing will take place on Thursday, March 17th, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Omega Funeral Home, 83 Royal Rd. S., Portage la Prairie, MB.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 18th, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Omega Funeral Home with interment at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. 

     Although covid restrictions have been lifted, it would be greatly appreciated if the public were to continue to wear masks as per the family’s request. 

Messages of condolences can be made online at www.omegafuneralhome.com.

Omega Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

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