Petronella "Nell" Johanna Heynen

In her final days, Nell was surrounded by love and joy from both her family and the wonderful staff at Dorothy Ley Hospice in Etobicoke.

Loving mother to Ian (Janice Wilcox) and proud Oma to Bronwyn, Foster and Cole. She’ll be sadly missed by her sister, Anke. She’ll be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and extended family – especially her nephew Fred Klassen who held a special place in her heart. Nell is predeceased by her husband John, and 7 siblings.

A highly respected and longtime real estate professional, Nell was a proud member of the Royal LePage family, where her integrity and dedication earned her numerous President’s Gold Awards. She was known for her unwavering professionalism and her personal care for clients. As a proud immigrant to Canada, she felt an intense obligation to help people build their lives and was known for direct, practical, and trusted advice.

Born in the Netherlands, Nell followed John to New Zealand where they were married, and spent a happy decade there before coming to Canada and settling in Guelph, Ontario, in 1968. There, they raised their beloved son, Ian, and built a life rooted in resilience, hard work, and close friendships.

Nell was generous in support of people and animals alike where she had a personal relationship and could make a direct impact. She found joy in golfing with friends, travel, and lively debates about geopolitics. She preferred intimate conversation with a glass of wine to large gatherings. Nell was a loyal friend, a proud mother and grandmother, and a woman of great strength and poise.

She will be remembered for her flair for fashion, love of colour, and the drive and determination with which she lived her life.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, June 25 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Gilbert Macintyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, June 26 at 11:00 am in the chapel, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Lounge. A livestream of the service can be accessed on the obituary page.

As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations to The Canadian Cancer Society in memory of Nell would be appreciated by the family. Donations can be made at the funeral home or online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com