Kilianski, Nelly:

With great sadness, the family of Nelly Kilianski announces her passing on April 22, 2019 at the age of 84 years.

Nelly was predeceased by Walter, her husband of 60 years (April 5, 2014). She will be forever missed by her children and their spouses: Harold (Louise), Lilian (Brian), Christa (Chris) and Arno (the late Deborah Welch). Nelly cherished and nurtured four grandchildren: Alex (Lynne), Caroline, Sarah and Monique (Rod). She was predeceased by her sister, Grete Pruefer and leaves behind her sister, Emily Hafemann (Adolf). Nelly is mourned by her beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Our mother was born in Lenczyca, Poland on October 24, 1934. She was the beloved daughter of the late Johann and Berta Rode. The Rode family were ethnic Germans who lived in Poland until the Soviet occupation of January 17, 1945. Our Mom acquired her lifelong attitudes of bravery and determination as her family - minus Johann - fled as refugees on foot and by cattle train hoping to reach West Germany. After a very hazardous journey, the family reached north eastern Germany. They were reunited with their father in 1946 and the parents toiled as farm labourers while their daughters went to school. They escaped to West Germany in 1951 and from there immigrated to Canada in September, 1951, sponsored by Berta's brother, Edward Klingspon.

Mom was a grateful and proud Canadian from the moment she set foot on Canadian soil. She was enthusiastically engaged with the Kitchener Waterloo community and an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church from 1951 until her passing. Music was central to Mom's life - she sang in the Bethel choir for more than 50 years and attended many community concerts. With her support, all four children sang and played multiple instruments.

Mom loved her role as a mother and homemaker. She excelled in the domestic arts and maintained a beautiful home and garden. When the children were grown, she went back to school which prepared her for a successful thirty year career in real estate. Mom referred to herself as a "people person" and she thrived on making and maintaining friendships with people of all ages. She laughed easily and often and was always ready to offer words of encouragement.

Nelly's love and passion for her family gave her the strength to endure many health challenges in her later years. In the past three years, a team of "guardian angels" headed by Adelaide Afonso brought daily comfort and joy to Mom's life. The family thanks the Judy Dan Research and Treatment Centre, The KW Adult Day Program, and the staff of Clair Hills Retirement Community and Innisfree Hospice for their wonderful care.

Nelly's family will receive friends and family from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at the Henry Walser Funeral Home (507 Frederick St., Kitchener, 519-749-8467). A funeral service for Nelly will be held at Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church (47 Sheldon Ave. N., Kitchener) at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April, 26, 2019. Reception to follow in the church hall. Burial will take place at Parkview cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to Innisfree House and Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Please visit www.henrywalser.ca for Nelly's memorial.

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