Obituary of Nola Dorothy Anderson

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother on August 28, 2023.

Nola leaves to mourn her daughters Debbie (Bob) Lotocki, Kim (Glen) Stefanyshen; sons Fred and Bill (Shauna); grandchildren Kenneth (Shannon), Gary (Jess), Bryan (Stefani), Nolan, Brayden, Lauren, Jade, Avery and Gemma; and great grandchildren Katelyn, Allie, Amelia and Hayden. Nola is also survived by brother Bob (Evelyn) Riznek, sister Lynn (Don) Purdon, sister-in-law Joanne (Barney) Dram; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and her dearest friend of 61 years, Rae Chalmers.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 67 years, Fred. They were inseparable until Fred’s passing in December 2022.

Predeceased also by her parents Bill (stepfather) and Anne Elenduik, Mike (Ruby) Riznek; in laws Fred Anderson and Nan Hill; stepfather Chris Hill; sister in law Lorraine Carlson; and brother-in-law Ed Carlson.

Nola was born in Port Alice British Columbia on August 26, 1938 but moved to Winnipeg at a young age. While she lived most of her life in Manitoba, Fred’s career as a police officer took them to Marathon and Tillsonburg Ontario for a time.

Nola was the not only the matriarch of the family, she was the gathering coordinator, confidante and advice giver, and chef, but mostly the core that kept us strong and moving forward. She would never complain, always looked at the positive, had an amazing wit and sense of humor but above all, she had the utmost faith and pride for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Nola was a strong woman who worked tirelessly both inside and outside of the home.  She had a varied career but the position she could be most proud of was the District Manager in Woolco, where she was one of a very few women at that level of Management in the 1970’s and 1980’s.

Nola spent her early retirement years at the cottage in Beaver Creek, a condo in Gimli and then returning to Winnipeg to live her final years surrounded by family and friends. Her request for cremation has been granted and she will be laid to rest with Fred by her immediate family.

The family would like to thank amazing staff at Donwood Personal Care home for the remarkable care they provided. Our mom was happy, well cared for, and had a wonderful year there. She made new friends at Donwood amongst the staff and other residents. Nursing staff Grace, Melissa and Mo kept Mom comfortable and free of pain in her final days. There were the Health Care Aides, Rosemary, Don and Freddy amongst many others that provided her daily care.  Donwood allowed our mother to live her final days with Dignity and Comfort.  You are an amazing group of people that made a difficult time much easier to bear.

The family would also like to thank Rae Chalmers for faithfully visiting our Mom at Donwood during the entire time she was there and sitting with us during the last two difficult weeks.  It is rare that a friend will continue to visit when the person doesn’t remember who you are. 

Our Mom was blessed with kindness in her final years and that means everything to her children.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice or to the Alzeimer’s Society of Manitoba, 10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg MB R2C 4G2