Obituary Overview
Nelly Alice Rohde
In the early hours of November 9, 2018, our beloved wife and mother, Nelly, passed away with her husband of 73 years, Gustel, holding her hand.
Nelly was born on March 23, 1922 to Otto and Herta Lange in Hrobakov, Poland. Her mother was widowed when Nelly was 7 and her brother Gerhardt was 5. Nelly and Gerhardt helped their mother in her restaurant/inn with a lot of responsibilities put on those young shoulders, which resulted in both having unbelievable work ethics. Nearing the end of World War II, Nelly and her mom left Poland for Bremke, Germany by horse and wagon in November, witnessing the terrible effects of war on the way.
On September 29, 1945 Nelly married Gustel Rohde. After the war Dad had a small trucking business that required him to travel long distances throughout Europe leaving Nelly and their daughters Brigitte and Marita in Bremke. A decision was made for the unity of the family to immigrate to Canada where Mom’s brother, mother and stepfather, Joseph Burchardt, had settled.
Mom and Dad, aged 31, landed in Canada on November 1953 with Brigitte, aged 7, and Marita, aged 4.
Mom almost immediately started working in Gerhardt’s bakery Konditorei Lange/Langes Pastry Shop where she worked until she was 72 years old.
Mom provided so much for her family. She kept an immaculate home which always had delicious smells of unbelievable meals readily available to whoever dropped in (and we always had cake). Her knitting skills provided many afghans, scarfs, hats, mitts and sweaters to many people (if you have one of Mom’s afghans, wrap up in it and know she is giving you a hug). She also loved embroidery, making tablecloth sets with napkins for all 5 of her grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 2 great great granddaughters.
Mom was a beautiful woman in every way. She had a generous and kind heart, a humble soul and an attitude of never complaining, always looking on the bright side. Everyone remembers the great times at the cottage at Echo Bay where she personally taught all 5 grandchildren to waterski. The meals, the card playing, the beds that smelled so good, the laughter and the love that made our family is because of her.
At age 65, Mom and Dad moved from Arrowwood Drive to their river paradise on Scotia St. They stayed on Scotia until age 85. Everyone always commented on the beautiful flowers that Mom lovingly planted and enjoyed, making it a spectacular home. At 85, they moved to 21 Roslyn Road, overlooking the river, where they lived for 10 years. This past July, they moved to Thorvaldson Care Centre, a truly remarkable home. Thank you everyone there who gave Mom and Dad such loving care. Mom blossomed there doing morning exercises, playing cards and developing a love of Shuffleboard (which she played and won the day she died).
Nelly is survived by her partner for life Gustel; her daughters Brigitte DeLeeuw and Marita Kith (Kissack); Brigitte’s children Ryan DeLeeuw (Gaby, Adah, Marcus), Deanne DeLeeuw Dante (Eric, Otis, Levi); Marita’s children Chad Kissack (Griffin, Daveena, Krystal, Jazmyne, Aryanna), Coco Kissack (Kitzianna, MacKenzie, April) and Kierra Kissack (Jeff Shirley, Katarina). She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Ursula Lange and Adi Rohde, as well as nephew Dirk Lange and niece Brita Chell.
Memorial Service will be held on Friday, November 23, 2018 at 10:00 am at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main St., West St. Paul, MB.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Nelly Alice Rohde 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: West St Paul, Province: Manitoba
