1939 – 2018

Nelda Ruth Symonds, loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away unexpectedly on January 24, 2018 at the age of 78 while in Mazatlan, Mexico with her daughters.

Nelda was born in Kelvington, Saskatchewan on April 23, 1939 to Harry Baker and Bessie (nee Hendren) Yurenka. Nelda was a beautiful person, loving life and all it had to offer. She shared her love and big heart with her family, friends and pets. She had great compassion, always giving and thoughtful of others.

Nelda served in the Canadian Armed Forces and met her husband Rolly while stationed in Cold Lake, AB. Their military life together took them to Germany, Ottawa and back to Cold Lake. In 1975 they retired to Cranbrook, BC. After many years working at the Cranbrook and District Hospital, Nelda attended College as an adult student receiving her diploma in Early Childhood Education. She worked at the Cranbrook Boys and Girls Club, where there was plenty of laughing, playing, singing, dancing and storytelling. This truly captured her heart. Nelda eventually settled in Kamloops, BC and enjoyed her winter months in Mexico.

Nelda was ONE OF A KIND! She showed her PIZZAZZ to the world with her great sense of humor and contagious laughter. She wore Red lipstick, Red nail polish, Red Hats and would dance anywhere, anytime. Nelda was a talented writer and artist. She embraced computer technology, enjoyed her On-line games, staying in touch with family and friends and “Surfing the Net”. 

Nelda was predeceased by her husband Rowland “Rolly” Symonds, her daughter Carrie Symonds-Grinnell, her parents and her brother Dale Baker.

Nelda will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Elana (Slim) Campsall of Canyon Creek, AB. and Tania Symonds (Marshall Stephenson) of Cranbrook, BC, her 7 grandchildren, Landon and Chantel Campsall, Alisha Symonds, Kalyn and Conor Symonds-Stephenson, Austin and Theran Grinnell, her 8 great grandchildren, Graham and Hendrix Campsall, Dylan and Kasandra Symonds-Jasper, Gabrielle, Kursten and Brandon Petrik, Jaylyn Davidson and one more on the way, (which she was thrilled about). Nelda is also survived by her sisters Elaine Booy of Salmon Arm, BC, Bernice (Don) Prokop of Kamloops, BC, as well as many relatives and friends.

A private family gathering and interment will take place in Serenity Gardens in Cranbrook, BC in the summer of 2018.

In lieu of flowers or donations and in honour of Nelda, live life to the fullest, love your family and friends, be kind to others and remember to laugh often.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:
www.mcphersonfh.com

• Date : 2018-01-24
• Location : Mazatlan, Mexico