Obituary of Yvonne Gladys Nelson

Yvonne Nelson, beloved wife of William “Bill” Nelson of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

For the past three years, Yvonne battled cancer with grace and a heroic amount of resilience. Even as Mom’s physical state weakened, she continued to live life on her terms. She kept busy and, on the go, right up until the last couple of weeks, when she entered the hospital and then finally, the hospice for end-of-life care.

Yvonne was born in Fort Macleod, AB, to Rene and Mary Couillard. She spent her early years in Fort Macleod before moving to Calgary to attend high school. Yvonne and Bill were married in the United States in 1956.

Mom lived her life with class and passion. Aside from being an accomplished businesswoman who owned and operated a floor covering and home decorating business for many years, Mom was also a very caring and supportive mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved being with her family, especially the children. Sunday dinner was always a special time.

Her friends and family will also remember Yvonne as a wonderful host and entertainer with impeccable taste.

Mom and Dad lived a life filled with plenty of adventure that included travel for both business and pleasure. They also skied and golfed at many locations and were long-time members at Bearspaw Country Club.

Besides her husband Bill, Yvonne is survived by her four children, Susanne (Rick) James, Laurie Tilley, Kelly (Marg), and Kevin (Shelagh); six grandchildren, Kourtnee (Brent) Plume, Kazia (Lance) Gerber, Brei (Heath) O’Fee, Shawn (Crystal) James, William (Jessie), and Quin (Evan) Shaw; and her great-grandchildren, Meah Plume, Cayleb and Jayden James, Jasper and Bodie Gerber, Rory O’Fee, Jaxon, Austin and Dean Shaw, and Randvi and Torvi Nelson. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Heather Couillard. She was predeceased by her parents, her sisters and brothers-in-law, Faye and Bob Beaupre, and Rita and Andrew Hindley; her brother Joe Couillard, and son-in-law Pat Tilley.

The family would like to thank Dr. Steven Bowen for his personalized care for many years, Dr. Nelson and his staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, the staff at Verve Aspen Woods, and the staff at the Dulcina Hospice for the much-appreciated care and assistance provided to Mom.

In accordance with Yvonne’s wishes, there will be no public funeral. A Celebration of Yvonne’s Life will be held at the Danish Canadian Club (727 11 Ave SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, November 29, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Dulcina Hospice, 110 Evanspark Manor N.W., Calgary, Alberta T3P 0N4 Telephone: 587-230-5500, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Yvonne’s family here.

In living memory of Yvonne Nelson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.