Obituary of Ina Marion Nelson

Ina Marion Nelson Another angel has gone home to rest… Ina Nelson age 80, of Maitland passed away Saturday, November 12, 2016 in South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater. Born in Maitland she was the daughter of the late Gilbert and Emily (Ernst) Oickle. Ina is survived by her husband, Charles Nelson, Maitland, sons Clyde Oickle (Alva), Maitland; Elvis Ernst (Debbie), Maitland, Leonard Ernst (Hope), Maitland; daughter Donna Fancey (Peter), Upper Northfield; and special niece/daughter Margaret Ernst, Bridgewater; step-son Kevin (Ann), Hubley; 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews; sisters Beatrice Conrad, Lunenburg; Barbara Himmelman, Port Joli and Virginia Walker, Martins River. She was predeceased by her son Carson Ernst and sister in infancy Ruby Oickle. Her family, extended family and friends will miss her dearly. Ina spent her life dedicated to helping improve the qualities of all lives she touched, her communities and work place. Working at National Sea Products in Lunenburg she accomplished this through her many roles from that of production worker, shop Stewart, safety committee member, as an executive of the union and first aid attendant in the Health Center. From an early age Ina worked side by side with her Father on the farm, at the local mill, with the Community Hall and Church and continued to support the Community of Maitland until “retiring at age 80”. She volunteered as a member and as President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Maitland & District Volunteer Fire Department; served on the Boards of the NS Health Authority; the Lunenburg County Interagency for the Prevention of Violence against Women and Children; served as a member of the Alternatives for the Treatment of Abusive Men (Fresh Start); was involved with W.I.T – Women in Transition; The Second Story Women’s Centre; and Past Member and Chairperson of the Healthier Alternatives Support Group; and as a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 24, Bridgewater. She would list her most proud accomplishments as that of being a mother of five children, 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and of how she was always able to keep her family together in spite of the many battles she had to fight to do so. She was also very proud to be a part of the group of the Wise Women of Maitland. It was important to her that her family maintains a strong bond and would always rent the Maitland Community Hall when planning family gatherings so she was sure she had the space to accommodate her growing family and extended family. In her spare time she loved gardening; healthy cooking; Tai Chi; square dancing; music jams; reading; life long learning; and always helping someone in need. She would always comment how very grateful she was for all the help she received as a young struggling mother and how it was her great pleasure to pay it forward. One of her many, many favorite quotes: Someone has to be the hero. There will be no visitation by request. Please join us as we celebrate this woman’s incredible life at 11:00 A.M. Saturday November 19 in Christ Church in Maitland, Rev. Willis Ott officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Following the interment a reception will be held in the Maitland Community Hall. Her family looks forward sharing the day with you to celebrate her and to talk about our fondest memories and of how she touched and influenced our lives. Immediate family flowers only. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Christ Church Cemetery Fund, the VON or the charity of choice. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com. A part of Ina will always live on in the many lives she touched and influenced. Thank you to the staff of the Journey Room and Chemo Ward of the South Shore Hospital, VON, Palliative Care Team, Dr. Robb Harris, and most especially Dr. Heather Robertson for their quality of care, kindness and compassion. God permits some to suffer most, that they might experience the deepest joy.