Obituary of Nelly Olsen
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beautiful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Nelly Olsen on March 26, 2021.
Nelly will forever be remembered and cherished by all those who came to know and love her especially her family: daughters Nancy (Paul) and Debbie (Tony), grandchildren Stephanie (Matthew), Jennifer (Carmen), Kevin, Dan (Heather), Braden (Sarah) and Kyle, and her great-grandchildren Jack, Lauren and Oscar.
Nelly Koudal was born the youngest of eleven children in Denmark in 1934 to Anton Jensen Koudal and Kirstine Marie Nielsen. After marrying the love of her life, Arne Olsen, the newlyweds immigrated to Canada in 1957. Together, they settled in the country outside of Blenheim where they raised their close-knit family, tended to their impeccable flower and vegetable gardens, and Nelly ran her home-based seamstress business specializing in custom wedding gowns and prom dresses. Later in life, she became a constant figure at Nancy’s store The Little Change Room where she did alterations and became lovingly known as “The Nellster”.
As the matriarch of the family, Nelly exuded warmth and compassion alongside her determined entrepreneurial spirit. A constant source of inspiration and strength, she taught the value of hard work and kind words to her children and grandchildren who she always had full confidence in. She was the first person we turned to for wisdom and the first person we shared our good news with (to which she would quickly reply with certainty, “I knew you could do it!”).
Nelly showed her love through her nurturing words, her hugs, her handmade clothes and slippers, and her delicious food. She enjoyed celebrating and made any occasion feel special with beautifully set tables filled with fresh flowers and Danish delicacies.
Nelly was adored by her family. Mom/Grandma/GG will live on through our memories and the many Danish traditions we will lovingly carry on in her honour.
Cremation has taken place and a private family burial at the Morpeth Cemetery will be held at a later date.
Donations made in memory of Nelly to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com
In lieu of a service please enjoy a reflection of Nelly's life through the tribute video.
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Ridgetown: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-397
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Nathan McKinlay is in charge of day-to-day operations in Chatham.
Jeff Mardling is in charge of day-to-day operations in Blenheim & Ridgetown.
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