Nettie was the first of twins, delivered by her father because the midwife was late. The family was poor; neighbours offered to take one of the babies, but Nettie’s parents declined. They worked hard to keep 7 children clothed, fed and warm. When their house burned down, although insurance was uncommon, the family was covered. At 18, Nettie did housekeeping for wealthy Winnipeg households, the beginning of a lifelong love for baking and cooking. When she was 19, the family moved to Yarrow, B.C., where she met Henry. Their dates were spent driving and listening to hymns on the radio. Nettie took her family camping every summer. She became a clerk at Eaton’s, managed the MCC store in Vancouver, worked at Cloverdale Paint and cooked for a care facility in Richmond, B.C. She catered many weddings and church banquets at Fraserview Church. She always supported her children and grandchildren. Nettie loved flowers; she completed several levels of professional floral arranging. She had a deep love for God and the church. In retirement, Henry and Nettie visited Alaska, Hawaii, Germany, Italy and California. In her last years, she lost her mobility, her speech and her partner, yet she chose to be positive and made friends with everyone she met. Every caregiver was her “favourite.” Nettie leaves a legacy of generous hospitality, care for those less fortunate and faith in God.
