Petronella Maria Cornelia "Nellie" Vandenende

Mrs. Petronella (Nellie) Maria Cornelia Vandenende, age 87, passed away with her husband and all of her children by her side on May 27th, 2022. The passing of Nellie has recently been described as feeling like "the end of an era". This description holds true as Nellie lived a vibrant and colourful life, through which she touched the lives of many people. Although she will be dearly missed, the joy, laughter and fond memories of happy times is a beautiful legacy Nellie created for her family and friends.

Nellie was born September 8th, 1934, in Eindhoven, Holland to Gerarda (Grada) Langenhuijsen and Petrus Van Hoorn. In 1951 at the young age of 17, Nellie met the love of her life Andreas (Andy) Vandenende. Nellie and Andy were married in Eindhoven, Holland 6 years later on July 5th, 1957.

Shortly after their marriage, Andy and Nellie made the journey to Canada (the land of opportunity) and settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In 1959 they made their way to the town of Marathon, Ontario where they were blessed to have their first two children, Angelique and Gary. In 1963 they would relocate to the 'big city' of Thunder Bay where they built their dream home on Ashdale Place and welcomed their youngest daughter Jacqueline to the family.

Nellie was a bright light that lit up any room she entered. She was a people person with lots of love in her heart, which led her to become a healthcare Aid. As an aid she would hold the responsibility of caring for children with disabilities and the sick. It takes a special person to be in that line of work and there is no doubt that this role was perfectly suited to Nellie.

Alongside her ability to light up any room, was Nellie's ability to light up your palate! She was and always will be remembered for her culinary skills - especially for her Dutch specialties such as her famous croquettes! As word
of her baking skills spread, Nellie was asked to bake professionally for Seattle Coffee House. It wasn't long before her famous muffins and lemon loaf were flying off the shelves!

Outside of cooking up a storm, Nellie could be found in any one of three places: hitting very short but very straight drives on her favourite golf course, Fort William Country Club, on the badminton court, or demonstrating her impressive bridge skills. Nellie was a social butterfly who lived her life to the fullest. Always up for an adventure, Nellie was able to see much of the world and develop lifelong friendships through her travels. She will always be admired for her ability to maintain close bonds with her family and her many, many friends through all of life's chapters.

Nellie is survived by her husband, Andy; her 3 children, Angelique (Randy) Spring, Gary (Jill) and Jacqueline (Danny) Nummikoski; her four grandchildren, Jacqueline Spring (Andrew), Jory Spring, Evan Nummikoski and Karli Nummikoski (Brett); and her recently arrived 1st great grandchild Kewin Spring-Csernyei. Nellie is also survived by her family in Holland; sister-in-law Yvonne Vandenende (Peter); brother-in-law Harry and sister-in-law Siea Vandenende; her nieces Jacqueline (Frank) Sprangers, Ludwien (Warrick) Stark and nephew Andre' Vandenende.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Grada; her father, Petrus; her brother Peter; her sister-in-law Nellie and her nephew Peter.

A mass will be held for Nellie at 11 am, Thursday, June 9th at St Patrick's Cathedral, followed by a celebration of life at The DaVinci Centre at 12:30pm. Please join us at one or both of these events as we remember and celebrate the fabulous Nellie Vandenende.

Online condolences may be made through
www.nwfainc.com