Here she is, with her friend, taking delight in an activity cushion. She and Peggy were mostly inseparable.

It's November 7th. Happy Birthday Mom. Miss you every day.

I was fortunate enough to be Nelly's daughter in law.  She was the sweetest person - nothing like the mean caricature that mother in law's are given.  ;-)  She was always interested in the things we were doing as a family and jumped right in to be a part of it when we were together.  I am so thankful to have met her side of the family in the Netherlands and grateful I can call them family.  

Nelly periodically would say she didn't understand how you could love two sons, because she loved hers so much.  I gently reminded her that she loved her two grandsons and that was how.  Nelly, you loved on Steven and the rest of us very well.  Your memory will live on through your amazing grandsons and baked goods.  We love you!

I’m Nelly’s “co-mother-in-law”—she was Steven’s mom and I’m Alexia’s —- so we share our two wonderful grandsons, Luke and Eli.  We were so very very fond of each other, and I always admired her total devotion to and love for her Steven — which she seamlessly passed on to Alexia and to all of us van Reigersbergs. I’ll miss her greatly and admire her always for her devotion l to family and friends. I already miss the date bars and the butterkoeks (sp?) and her amazing hospitality to us all. As my dear Fernando would have said, “What a lady”!!!! And a lady she was. Rest well, dearest Nelly.

Nelly was my dear friend for nearly 30 years and then she became family when her son, Steven, married my niece, Alexia. It was a joyous occasion shared with our Dutch and American families and friends in Washington DC. Nelly and I often reminisced about it and loved that our families blended so perfectly. 
Nelly and I also shared the fact that we both had one son and we would frequently congratulate ourselves that each one is so special.  
I will miss you, Nelly, miss our many chats over coffee and, of course, your ever-present cookies... the best in the world!!

A lot of great memories to a very special aunt, my godmother Tante Nelly. 
I’m happy that we had many opportunities to spend time together, even if you was living in Canada. An huge distance from Prinsenbeek, the village where you was born and where I grew up.
The visits were always special. That’s the advantage of being far away from each other in the meantime, when we were together we had a great time.  As a kid I remember the special gifts. Toys which were not available at the European market yet. Proud we were to be the first one’s with these special items.
Spending a holiday of four weeks during the summer of 1977, on my own, without parents, will always be in my mind. Also the winter holidays were great. Once together with Hans and once together with Mariëlle. A lot of fun, pictures show that we were laughing with tears rolling on our face.
Five years ago was the last time we’ve seen each other. I was with my mom. We realized that probably it was the last time we saw each other. Saying goodbye was tough, but we were happy we visited you. 
Thanks for all these wonderful moments and the special memories with all nice pictures. 
These will always be there. 

Love Ella

Nelly was a remarkable woman. I had the honour of meeting her for the first time when my husband and I visited her house, which was listed for sale. She was standing next to the patio door, leaning on her cane. We hit it off right away, and ended up chatting the whole time of the visit. My husband actually visited the house while Nelly and I just talked. We ended up buying the house. She later told me she buried St-Joseph in the garden, hoping it would be us buying the house. We have done every effort to honour her and her memory in keeping the house as thoughtfully as she had done. She was the grandest of grand women, kindness and perseverance knew no limits in her. Her friendship meant the world to me and I will never forget her. My sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.

Nelly's first Christmas season at the Sunrise.

Nelly liked to keep her coat on - always ready to go!

Snacks were a favourite time at the Sunrise.

Nelly celebrating her 88th birthday at the Cambridge.

Nelly was always delighted to receive the newest family photo album.

More soaking up the sun at the Cambridge.

Wearing one of her favourite sweaters while lounging in her favourite red chair.

She was amazed at the blossoms on these trees.

Our walks always included a stroll around the gardens, where she inevitably swiped a black cherry tomato in season.

Nelly loved this outfit, and the staff at the Cambridge loved her dearly. They all had great fun together.

I feel blessed to have known Nelly for the last 18 years. She was a dear, loving and totally lovable woman with a feisty side that warmed my heart. When we went shopping, she always swiped some grapes and/or a chocolate or candy from the bins. And she always had a twinkle in her eye when she did it.
We spent so many hours walking! I will truly miss her charming smile and her massive hugs, and will cherish those moments with her forever.

Nelly loved Bella. They threw kisses at each other.

Nelly loved to sit in the sun at the Cambridge.

J'offre mes sincères condoléances à tous ceux qui ont aimé Nelly.
Je l'ai peu connue mais je garde le souvenir d'une femme chaleureuse, enjouée et avec une grande gentillesse dans le regard.

Louise Courteau

I send everyone a warm hug, in the absence of a Nelly hug, the warmest hug of all.

She was a wizard at baking, a consummate hostess, an endlessly enthused person who almost buzzed with energy and excitement.  Never idle, Nelly was always busy and purposeful, but she was also a person who always listened so intently when in conversation.  I will never forget the mischievous twinkle in her eye.  I sometimes wished I spoke Dutch so we could gab in that language like she did with her beloved sisters.  

Here's to Nelly!

Love,

Dito

I have so many fond memories of Nelly; too many to choose from. But I will certainly remember her for being such an interested listener when I was a teenager and for always calling me her "Little girl".

Hi Mom. Even though I knew this day would one day come, it somehow doesn't make it any easier to accept. I will miss your love, your caring, your friendship, and our conversations, as we stood by each other during both good times and some really trying times. You persevered through all the ups and downs, and were always there for me with a comforting hug and a knowing smile to let me know that everything would be alright. I will be forever grateful for your unconditional love and for the model you set for me, and for Luke and Eli as well. We will miss you.

OBITUARY

Nelly Monden Courteau

November 7, 1933 – August 26, 2023

Résidences funéraires Collins Clarke MacGillivray White Funeral Homes

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