Nellie Batuik

We are deeply saddened to announce that Nellie Batuik, (nee Baran) passed away peacefully in Nanaimo at the age of 91 years. She was born January 19, 1933 in Sifton, Manitoba to William and Mary Baran, one of 11 brothers and sisters. Nellie is predeceased by her siblings: Nick, Walter, Harry, Ann, Mike, Cassie and Billy. She is survived by Boris, Stella and Rose.

Nellie moved to Kelowna with her family when she was a teenager. She met Henry Sommerfeld, married and had 6 children together. Surviving Nellie is Linda Cameron (Richard), Darlene Sommerfeld, Bruce (Sue), Wayne (Richelle) and youngest son Terry. Her daughter Virginia Flintoft passed away in 2018.

Also surviving Nellie is her grandchildren: Chad (Julie), Shawna (Scott), Jeremy (Jeanna), Dustin, Darrin, Adam (Nicole), Andrew, Ryan and Amanda (Chad). And bringing more joy into her life, her eight great grandchildren: Ava, Naomi, Jacob, Luke, Dion, Cooper, Serenity and Henry.

Nellie was a very caring mother, and a strong hardworking woman. Raising a family of six was a full-time effort, from cooking, cleaning, to chopping firewood. She was a great cook, in an era when provisions were not always available, Nellie was always canning preserves and making perogies for family and friends. Nellie was known to always put everyone first before herself.

Once her family had been raised, her and Joe Batuik, her 2nd husband, lived and worked in Tumbler Ridge, BC for many years. They enjoyed camping and fishing until they retired to Nanaimo, BC in August 1998. They enjoyed their retirement years bowling, golfing and getting together with friends. Joe passed away in 2008.

Nellie carried on for a term, eventually downsizing into Nanaimo Senior’s Village April 2017. Ultimately, she relocated into the Woodgrove Manor nursing home in July 2019, where she spent her final years with others looking after her for a change. Many thanks to the numerous staff at Woodgrove Manor for making Mom feel at home in her final years.