Nellie Esther Parsons, beloved wife of the late Robert Henry Parsons, passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa on January 21, 2022 at the age of 98.

Nel was born to Irl and Esther Harris on February 22, 1923. She delighted in sharing fond memories of her adventures growing up on the farm near Ponoka. After graduating from school, she worked as a stenographer at Alberta Hospital Ponoka.  While visiting her older sister in Prince Rupert she met the love of her life and Bob and Nel celebrated 56 amazing years of marriage together. They started their life together in Calgary then moved to Lethbridge where they remained and raised their two children, Lori, and Tim.

Nel lived a long and blessed life filled with love and adventure. She travelled extensively to many locations around the world. Her favorite destination above all however was Waterton where she loved to spend time with family and friends. Nel enjoyed golf, hiking, curling, bridge, and all the “finer things” in life. She continued to play golf and hike well into her 80s and played bridge into her 90s.  Over the years Nel was involved in several community organizations and clubs in Lethbridge.  She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Left with many cherished memories are her daughter Lori (Donald) McArthur; grandchildren Christine (Billy) Martin, Christina Hubbard, and Emily and Cara Parsons; four great grandchildren Jaidon, Walt, Adrianna, and Kasandra Martin; brother Derald Harris; her much-loved nieces and nephews, Steve (Elise) Twa, Dan (Brenda) Twa, Marsha (Mark) Linde, and Kate Twa (Ronan), and grand nieces and nephews.

Nel was predeceased by her husband Robert Parsons in 2002; son Tim (Sharon Dersch) Parsons in 2021; sisters Elsie Fransden, Doreen (Jack) Twa, and Lorraine Harris; brother Donald Harris; and grandniece Jenny Linde.

The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staff at St Therese Villa, notably the care aides and LPNs on 2 West who exemplify the meaning of caring. Words cannot begin to express our gratitude for the affectionate care they gave mom over the last few years.

A Memorial for Nel will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Alberta Heart Foundation, 119 14 St NW #100, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6, or the Southern Alberta Cancer Research Centre, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4.