1931-2022 ~ It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mom, grandma and great grandma Emma Margaret Nelson in Red Deer, Alberta on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at the age of 90 years. Emma was born to Hungarian Immigrant parents; John and Irene Balog in 1931. She always said that even though everyone was poor in the 1930's, her childhood was rich with wonderful memories.
After graduation in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Emma went to Secretarial College in Edmonton, Alberta. One of her first jobs had her moving to Dallas, Texas managing an office for Weatherford Oil. She loved the adventures she had in the big city. Upon returning to Edmonton, Emma went to work for Smith Hatcheries, where she met Larry Smith. They were married in 1956, and raised a family of four on their game farm close to Ellerslie.
Emma had a busy life with us kids, she had a huge garden, the pantry and freezer were always full and she was a wonderful cook. Emma was a great seamstress, and made lots of clothing for her family. She crocheted and knitted dozens of Afghans, Sweaters and Christmas Stockings.
Mom also raised hundreds of chickens, ducks, and geese every year for our family and neighbors. After Larry's passing, Emma moved back to the Bentley area. She married Floyd Nelson in 1979 and they had almost twenty wonderful years together.
Emma loved the sport of curling and, skipped a great Game. She and Floyd also enjoyed golfing and bowling together. Emma loved playing scrabble, cards, bingo, and trips to the casino.
As the grandchildren started arriving, Emma's life was filled with more love and joy. Floyd and Emma spent so much time with the grandchildren, following their sports and activities and loved to treat them to Dairy Queen. Great memories were made with the children and grandchildren at the Family Cabin at Goose Lake.
Emma spent her retirement years at the Westview Apartments in Bentley, Alberta and cherished the friendships she made there. No one spread more love in a lifetime! Emma will be lovingly remembered by her four children, Mark (Jayne) Smith, Marlaine (Dave) Stephenson, Diane (Doug) Peterson and Randy (Helen) Smith and her stepson, Grant Smith; her fourteen grandchildren, Shanna (Cory) Goobie and Adam Smith; Kyle (Pam) Stephenson, Craig (Rochelle) Stephenson, Carmen (Ryan) Hrynyk; Ryan Dobos, Graham (Shannon) Dobos, Drew (Shannon) Peterson and Samantha Peterson; Cole Smith, Bronson Smith, and Amelia Smith; Doran Smith and Bronwyn Smith; and her fourteen special great grandchildren; Lundon, Evaleigh, Jensyn, Callum, Shaye, Peyton, Cale, Capri, Hallie, Maycen, Roslyn, Kyle, Roman and Florence.
"Your Life was a Blessing, your memory a treasure; you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Rest in Peace Mom."
Emma's wishes were for no Funeral Service. The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date. If desired, Memorial Donations in Emma's honor may be made directly to a Charity of the Donor's choice. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com
Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 - 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.
Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium
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