Petronella “Nelly”‘s Obituary
van der Donk (Amirault) Muise, Petronella Christina Johanna «Oma » – 96, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Tuesday, August 18, at The Meadows, Pleasant St., Yarmouth, N.S. Born on December 23, 1923 in Culemborg, The Netherlands, she was the daughter of the late Jan Cornelius and Petronella (Stavast) van der Donk and was forever proud of her Dutch heritage. Nelly arrived in Canada, as a young war bride, on The Queen Mary at Pier 21, Halifax, N.S. on June 16, 1946. She and her first husband, Emmanuel, made their home in Yarmouth where they raised their five children and also opened their home to many foster children. Nelly was smart, strong, determined, resourceful, outgoing, outspoken, generous (supporting numerous charities) and always fashionable. She worked intermittently at Bonda Textiles and Cosmos Imperial Mills/Dominion Textiles until her retirement in 1988. Nelly had many happy memories with her second husband, Clifford, travelling together, going, on camping trips to Keji and entertaining their family and friends. She was a woman of strong faith and an active member of St. Ambrose Co-Cathedral Parish. Her church activities included being a member of the CWL, the Rosary Prayer Group, the Quilting Group and Cursillo. Nelly enjoyed many hobbies and her hands were always busy doing needlepoint, cross-stich, quilting, knitting, crocheting and sewing. She was a member of The Red Hat Society and had lots of fun with her friends going to meetings and attending social events. She also liked collecting knickknacks from the Bradford Exchange, her treasured Delft Blue, going shopping and singing hymns. Nelly had quite a sweet tooth and always had “snoepjes” stashed in several places around the house and in all of her purses. Some of the favorite treats were Dutch licorice, chocolate and cookies in no particular order. She was famous for the extra-large batches of hot cross buns she made every Easter…and gave away to family and friends. We children fondly remember the days when Mom would make eight loaves of bread three times a week… and oooooh the smell of that freshly baked bread straight from the oven made “bread lovers” of us all. Nelly will be lovingly remembered by her children: Maria (Paul) Murphy, Truro, N.S.; Bradford Amirault, Liverpool, N.S.; Daniel (Karen) Amirault, Yarmouth, N.S.; John (Susan) Amirault, Lakeville, N.S.; Jane (Mac) Grant, Yarmouth, N.S.; Carol (Clarence) Comeau, Meteghan, N.S.; stepdaughters: Deborah (Greg) Huskins, South Ohio, N.S., Cathy Muise, Forest Glen, N.S.; grandchildren, Sean (Leslie) Murphy, Amanda (Noah) Murphy-Gartner, Shayne (Jennifer) Grant, Renee (Kerry) Cunningham, Danielle (Jeff) Kenney, Matthew (Angela) Amirault, Nicholas (Cassie) Amiraut, Naomi (Joe) Kisman; step-grandchildren: Jonathan (Heather) Southern, Vanessa (Ben) Creech; great-grandchildren: Paul, Anne, Liam, Aidan, Rowan, Charlie, Malcolm, Emmanuelle, Ellington, Iris, Arie, Abel, Ethan, Eli, Mason, Isaac and step-great-granddaughter: Emmalee; sister: Els van der Hoeff, Culemborg, The Netherlands. Brother: Leo van der Donk, Hoeven, The Netherlands and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband, Emmanuel Amirault, second husband, Clifford Muise; sisters, Hendrina (Henny), Sienna and Thea. Brothers: Dann, Wouter, Jan and Arie. The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Natalie Horton and to ALL the wonderful staff at The Meadows, especially Trillium House (where Nelly called “home”) for the quality care they provided with such compassion and kindness the entire time Mom lived there. A visitation will take place at Huskilson’s Memorial Chapel, Monday, August 24, from 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m., Tuesday, August 25th at St. Ambrose Co-Cathedral, Yarmouth, Father Henry Smolenaars officiating. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, seating may be limited and social distancing guidelines must be followed. Also, please note that immediate family will be given priority for seating. Memorial donations may be made to St. Ambrose Co-Cathedral, Yarmouth Food Bank, The Meadows Home for Special Care or to a charity of choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to H.M. Huskilson’s Funeral Home, Yarmouth where you may leave messages of condolence for the family by visiting www.huskilson.net
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Petronella Nelly Christina Johanna van der Donk Amirault Muise December 23 1923 August 18 2020..
H.M.Huskilson funeral homes and crematorium
Death notice for the town of: Yarmouth, Province: Nova Scotia