Posted Jan 8, 2024 | 12:21 PM
Passed away peacefully at Brightshores Health System – Owen Sound on Sunday, January 7, 2024. Born in Owen Sound on February 22, 1938, Nellie Isobel Byers (nee Allen) of Tara, was in her 86th year.
Beloved wife of the late Donald Stuart Byers (2013). Loving mother of Gary Byers (Wendy), Donna Lahey (Dave) and Glen Byers (Tamara).
Cherished grandma of Sarah, Alison, Pam, Tyler, Tiffany, Ashley, Eric, Shelby, and Trent and proud G.G. to 10 great grandchildren.
Dear sister of Elsie (Orv), Margie (aka Mugz), Carol (Steve).
Nellie will also be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews and lifelong friend Maybelle.
Predeceased by her parents Lloyd and Etta Allen (nee Morton), her infant son Brent Byers, and her brother Howard Allen.
The Byers family would like to extend a special thank you to the ICU nurses at Brightshores especially Laura and Maggie for the compassionate care shown to Nellie and her family.
Nellie was known for many things. Her devotion and love for her family and friends was lifelong. After she was married, her roles as wife, mom, farmer, oldest sister, midnight cake decorator, active community member (Tara Ag Society), church supporter and co band leader with Bernice Gowan, were her focus. Her talents in the kitchen were enjoyed by many. Her cheese biscuits and butter tarts became world famous. Nellie truly loved being a Grammie and GG and enjoyed anytime she got to spend with them. After many years of hosting and attending jamborees with Don, Nellie’s love of music continued. In her 50’s and 60’s, Nellie taught herself to play the guitar and was a singer/guitar player with the Swinging Grannies. In her 80’s, she learned to play the ukulele with the Covid Cuties. Nellie will also be dearly missed by her church family at Cornerstone, where she is fondly referred to as “Pinkie (the name of her walker) and the Brain”. The “Cornerstone Cafe”, her idea. Monthly Fundraiser lunches, her idea. She will be missed.
A funeral service to celebrate Nellie’s life will be held at Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, 250 14th St. W., Owen Sound, 519-376-7492, on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation two hours prior to service time, Jim Gowan officiating, followed by a reception at the funeral home. Interment will take place in the spring at Hillcrest Cemetery, Tara.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, Owen Sound Hospital Foundation, or the Canadian Cancer Society – Bluewater Unit are appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to Nellie’s family by visiting her memorial at www.woodfuneralhome.ca.