December 17, 2024
In loving memory ~
Our beloved Mother and Grandmother, Joan Nelson, died on December 17, 2024. She was 78.
Born in North Battleford, Sask to Edward and Margret Ballendine, moving around a lot, until settling with Dave in Sooke to raise her family.
Joan was the heart of our home and family. Responsible for four generations, she helped raise her younger siblings (Dan, Gary, Lyne, Val, Tim Donna) two sons (Robert, Daniel) and helped to raise her grandchildren (Dan, Ben, Alexandra) and great grandchild (Oliver). Joan was married for 59 years to her soulmate, Dave. Joan was predeceased by her sisters Colleen and Bonnie and survived by her brothers and sisters Betty, Edward, Dan, Gary, Lyne, Val, Donna and Tim.
Joan was the center of our family, and she will be dearly missed, but her love and support continues on in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched. A celebration of life will be had with friends and family in the spring.
Joan was of Cree (Notowewahk Kumik sister of Chief Poundmaker) and Scottish decent. The following is an ancient Cree story adapted by her son.
A son lost his mother. The son and mother were the last of the family and when she passed the son was devastated. He continued to mourn his mother for months, and the sadness was debilitating. While hunting, the son was visited by his mother in his dream. She said to him, "Son why do you continue to mourn me? I am always here with you and I will wait for you in the sky. It is time for you to let me go so I can be at peace." The son released his mother from her ties on earth and she was able to take her place with the ancestors in the sky watching over the rest of his life.