CORNELIA (NELLIE) DAHL (published on August 31, 2008)
| CORNELIA (NELLIE) DAHL Cornelia (Nellie) Dahl (nee Fast) died very suddenly on August 27, 2008 at Vancouver General Hospital from a severe stroke, at the age of 76 while visiting family in Burnaby, British Columbia. She was born on July 8,1932 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Bernhard and Liese Fast. Cornelia grew up in East Kildonan and attended the Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute after the family moved from Springstein to Winnipeg. She subsequently attended Mennonite Brethren Bible College. She married Peter Dahl in 1952, and together they operated their family farm near Domain, for 16 years, raising their son Carl and daughter Irene while commuting between homes in Domain and Winnipeg. After moving to Winnipeg permanently, she became more involved in Church activities at the Elmwood Mennonite Brethren Church, always willing to offer her help wherever it was needed. She also took an active part in the wider community working as a swimming instructor and lifeguard at the East Kildonan YMCA. She later took on a part time job with the City of Winnipeg, at Centennial Pool as a Seniors Activities Coordinator where she made many long-time friends, going out her way to provide extra support to those seniors who needed it. She also spent many years volunteering at the MCC Self Help store. Her life was always about being there for others, not the person front and center but always there to see that others' needs were met and things got done. She had an unwavering and uncomplicated faith in God and believed that all things happen for a reason. She knew that death is only the doorway through which we are summoned into the splendor of God's presence. Family always took first place in her life. This was evident in the way she cared for her mother who battled Parkinson's disease for many years. She was a devoted mother and very special granny to her six grand children and gave true meaning to the words unconditional love. She had a special place in her heart for her Autistic grandson Peter. Granny was willing to spend the time and had the patience with Peter to make a connection with him that very few others ever have. Cornelia is survived by her loving husband Peter, son Carl and wife Marilyn, their three children Aaron, Peter and Nikolas, and daughter Irene Enns and husband Ron, their three children Joel, Allison and Charlie. She is predeceased by her parents, sister Bettie Goossen, and brother Bernie Fast. She is also survived by brother Neil Fast (Gerda), Bill Fast (Margaret), sisters-in law Mary Dahl and Thelma Fast along with 14 nieces and nephews. The Family would like to express it's sincere thanks to Catherine Fast and husband Derrick Chamberlain and Joyce Locht for their compassion and support during the difficult last hours at Vancouver General Hospital. Viewing will take place on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Friends Funeral Service. Following a private burial at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at Elmwood Mennonite Brethren Church, 145 Henderson Highway. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Family Life Network or charity of your choice. |
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