It is with deep sorrow that we the family, announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Mother, Nana, and Great Grandmother . On August 13, 2022 Mom went to her Heavenly Home to be with her Lord and Saviour.
She will forever be missed , but remembered and carried in the hearts of her son Murray (Suzan) , daughter Cyndy(Barry), son Neil(Cindy) and her grandchildren Scott(Tia), Kayla (Derek), Matt (Arista),Tyler,
Erin (Shay), Kendra (Bryce ) Gabriel (Kassie), and her great grandchildren Asher and Annabeth .
She was predeceased by Her husband Harry of 63 years , daughter Twyla and son-in-law Mike .
Mom was born at her family home in St. Ouens and was the oldest of 8 children . She attended the St.Ouens one room school house from grades 1-9 and then took Grade 10 by correspondence. Not being able to attend high school in Beausejour, she attended school in Tyndall for grade 11 by riding the train there and back every day.
The following year Manitoba was desperately seeking teachers as they was a shortage due to the War, and Nancy decided to enter Summer School in 1950 to take the 6 week Permit teaching course. Upon completion of the course at the tender age of 17 , she began her career as a Teacher . She spent 1 year teaching at her first school in Grassy River and enjoyed it so much she continued taking upgrade classes at the Normal School achieving her official teaching certificate in June 1952 at the age of 20. Throughout her teaching career she focused mainly on teaching Music and geography at the Junior High level. She enjoyed teaching positions in both the public and private schools , making many lasting friendships along the way .
She married Harry Zielke on July 23, 1955 and over the next five years they were blessed with 2 sons and 2 daughters. Sadly they lost their baby girl Twyla in infancy.
Together Mom and Dad spent many wonderful years traveling and visiting family. Driving to BC and down south to Oregon always being sure to save time to visit family. They even became brave enough to venture to Mexico for a winter holiday . Nancy enjoyed a very special 3 week European vacation with her sister Pat , and also went to the Holy Land which she always said changed the scriptures for her , bringing them to life .
Her love of music and ability to play the piano gave her the role as the pianist at church for many years and filling in when asked to play the organ for funerals. She volunteered in many areas at church, including as serving as a Sunday School teacher , directing and overseeing Christmas programs and diligently researching and recording church history a task she truly enjoyed .Our Sunday dinner table was usually always filled with those who were either visiting speakers or new comers to church .
Over the years , mom took an interest in politics and at times worked in the offices of the people running for election and also became a long time serving Returning Officer for both provincial and federal elections .
When the Stoney Plains Nursing Home was built she was asked to become one of its board members, a position she held for many years .
Family was everything to Mom and no occasion was missed at a grandchild’s school . From band and music productions to awards and graduation, she was there …always with the biggest, proudest smile to celebrate their achievements.
Her love for her grandchildren continued to deepen as they become the adults that God had created them to be. With weddings and the birth of great grandchildren, her heart become increasingly full to over flowing with her greatest Joy ….her family.
As mom aged her time shared with those she loved became even more valuable. She so enjoyed the Sibling gatherings either for breakfast out at a restaurant or dinner and sing alongs at her sister Lorelei’s . Time so precious and unmeasurable.
Her Faith walk was one based on prayer, and her loved ones were always the first on her list . She will be loved forever and always by those who knew and loved her as well.
Till we meet again
In lieu of flowers donations in Nancy’s memory can be made to the Gideons of Canada or the Gateway Community Church building Fund.
A celebration of life will take place on August 19, 2022 at 10:30 am at Oakbank Baptist Church 26033 Springfield Road, OakBank. Viewing will be prior to the service. Interment will take place at the Beausejour Cemetery.
Read Less
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Arlene Nancy Zielke Saturday August 13th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Oakbank, Province: Manitoba