Nell Roberts was born Nellie Korman in rural Saskatchewan on December 10, 1923, the youngest of six children. Typical of the confused birth registration system of that era, her name was recorded as Nettie Korman. Her childhood was marked by the hardships of the depression and by the Diphtheria death of her mother when Nell was nine years old. Upon Nells death July 26, 2008 she was the last living member of her birth family. She is pre-deceased by siblings, Annie, Mary, Sophie, Sannie and Michael. Nell and husband Ferdinand Wolff raised their children near Dawson Creek in the Peace River Country. It was one of the last areas that were open to homesteading. Life building a farm from raw land meant long hours of labour to acquire the basic necessities of life. She was one of those pioneers who had a deep well of hope and optimism that fueled the perseverance to succeed. In 1974 she suffered the death of her oldest son, Donnie along with her first two granddaughters, Donna and Theresa. In 1983, her youngest daughter, Claire, was killed by a drunk driver. Nell mourned these deaths all the rest of her life. In the 1970’s Nell moved to Port Coquitlam with husband Martin Roberts. There she found her salvation and support in church and developed a strong network of extra-ordinary friends. Nell and Marty moved to Penticton in 1995 and Marty passed away in 1997. In 2004, Nells had one last tragedy to endure, the passing of her son-in-law, Bruce Callahan. Nell is survived by her daughter; Louise Callahan, her son; Carl (Doreen) Wolff, by her seven grandchildren and by her seven great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Nell had the strength to endure all the tragedies and the capacity to enjoy the living. Her relationships with friends and family were her joy and each wedding or birth was greeted with the careful and loving construction of a new quilt or other handicraft. We will remember her for her ability to delight in small things, for her creativity and for her enthusiasm for the glory and gift of life. A Celebration of Nells Life was held on Saturday August 2, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. from the Parkview Chapel, 1258 Main Street, Penticton, British Columbia with Pastor Sid Waterman officiating. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Providence Funeral Homes. Condolences may be directed to the family; parkview@vip.net.

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