Helen Anne Nelson [McNally]
With sadness we announce the expected passing of Helen Nelson. Helen was born in Rainy River on April 23rd 1933 to Charles and Mabel McNally. She was raised in Harris Hill, north of Rainy River along with her 10 siblings. She had many fond memories of her time there.
She was united in marriage on December 2, 1950 to the late Douglas Carlson and moved to the farm just north of Emo. While living and working on the farm she had 8 children, and spent many busy years there.
Helen loved to cook and was excellent at it. She used these skills at the delight of patrons at numerous tourist camps and restaurants in the area.
Helen had a passion for the Amway Corporation and loved to travel all over to attend conventions and build on her networking connections. Few things delighted her more than getting in the car with her Amway buddies and heading out on an adventure.
Later in life, she was united in marriage to Edwin Nelson in April of 1979. Together they worked side by side at their business at Lake Kabetogama, in Ray Minnesota. They loved what they did there and Rocky Ledge Resort thrived because of it. After selling the resort they retired in International Falls, and enjoyed many years travelling to Florida and Arizona, as well as summers at Pelican Lake in Orr Minnesota.
Helen and Edwin eventually moved to an apartment in International Falls, but due to failing health they decided to spend their final time at Rainier Roost in Rainier Minnesota. Edwin passed in February of this year and Helen struggled to go on without him, despite the great care and encouragement of the excellent staff there.
Helen loved her children, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren and could be heard sharing their successes with fellow residents.
She leaves to mourn her eight children Gene Carlson [late Pam] of Emo, Mary Perrier [Dave] of North Bay, Murray Carlson [Gail] of Thunder Bay, Laurie Lindberg [Steve] of Rainier Minnesota, Edward Carlson [Diane]of Emo, Deb Carlson [John] of Rainy River, Karen Carlson of Thunder Bay, and Lyal Carlson [Corinne] of Kakabeka Falls. Also surviving are many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Helen is survived by siblings, Dorothy Gate [Chuck] of Bergland, Leslie McNally [Sharron] of Emo, Jean Heisler [late Carl] of Emo, Beulah Larocque[late Roland] of Emo, Margaret Johnsrud [Dale] of Bergland and Diane Vandenbrand [Jack] of Stratton .
She is predeceased by her husband Edwin Nelson, brothers Norman McNally, Donald McNally, Glen McNally, and Floyd McNally, daughter in-law Pam Carlson and granddaughter Jennifer Carlson.
A service will be held at the Calvary Baptist Church in Emo, Ontario on September 10, 2018 at 10:30 a.m.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Community Chest or the Canadian Diabetes Association in care of Northridge Funeral Home.