Obituary of Henrietta Helene Nielsen

January 2, 1925 - Shaunavon, Saskatchewan

January 11, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Henrietta Helene Nielsen was born January 2, 1925, in Shaunavon, SK, and passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024, in Calgary, AB. Henrietta (Rita) grew up on a mixed farm in southern Saskatchewan with her parents, two brothers, and four sisters. Rita was the last surviving sibling. They farmed during the dirty thirties, and this bred determination and tenacity in her. At 18, she enlisted in the Canadian Women's Army Corps (CWAC) during World War II. She initially travelled to Vermillion for training and was eventually stationed at Citadel Hill in Halifax, where she carried out ship-to-shore communications. Rita loved her days in the army and made many dear friends. She was known to her colleagues as Hank. Her CWAC experience led her to be active in the Legion until she was 92.

Following the war's end, Rita moved to Montreal, where she worked in the original Birks store for Mr. Birks. In Montreal, she went on a blind date with a Norwegian sailor, Leiv. They fell in love and decided to marry in July 1949. Leiv established an engineering career with Shell in Montreal. They purchased their first home in Montreal and subsequently had two children, Eric, and Karen. The family enjoyed amazing camping trips and picnics across eastern Canada and the United States.

Leiv was transferred to Oakville, Ontario, and the family moved there in 1962. There they continued their camping excursions, and the couple became involved in square dancing. Rita became an avid and accomplished bowler at this time. Rita loved animals, so there were many pets, including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and a raccoon in the household. Rita had a natural affinity towards horses. Her horsemanship was excellent, and she seemed to understand them. Rita loved to garden and sew. Rita and Leiv loved to travel, and their journeys took them to many places, both within Canada and internationally. When Leiv retired, the couple moved to Saskatchewan, where they established a hobby farm near Moose Jaw. Rita kept busy tending to cows, horses, chickens, pigs, guinea fowl, and gardening. She was very comfortable in this setting.

Family was very important to Rita. Their grandchildren from BC made many visits to the farm for their summer vacations. Many fun times were had at the farm. Years later, Rita and Leiv moved to Summerland, BC, where they embraced the Okanagan weather and community. Rita established amazing flowerbeds and vegetable gardens. Grandchildren from Alberta and BC visited regularly to enjoy the Okanagan experience. Rita became very active with the Summerland Legion, the bowling association, and the horseshoe club. At 88, she represented the district in the 55+ BC Games in horseshoes and performed well. Rita's greatest love in life was her family. She had a heart of gold. She was always reliable, supportive, and loving to all.

In 2018, she moved to Calgary to receive more intensive care and support from her family. She was helped along the way by family and many amazing caregivers. Her family would like to thank all who saw her through this journey. The family would like to extend a special thank you the staff at Intercare Chinook Care for their kindness, compassion, and quality of care.  

Rita is predeceased by her husband Leiv and her siblings Peter, Mary, Lucy, Jack, and Suzanne. She is survived by her son, Eric (Shiela), daughter, Karen (Brian) Sevick, and her grandchildren, Cade (Tara), Carey (Lincoln) Petkau, Jimmy, Jessica, and Jane. She is also survived by several great-grandchildren, Ciara, Savanna, Colton, Madisyn, and Brooklyne; and great-great-grandchildren, Declan, Delaney, and Lachlan.

At Rita’s request, a family memorial service will be held at a later date. If desired, please consider donating to a dementia-related charity of your choice. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Henrietta’s family here.

In living memory of Henrietta Nielsen, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.