Obituary of Petronella “Nelly” Wouters

Petronella “Nelly” Wouters (nee Schouten) passed away peacefully on June 2, 2021 at her daughter’s home, surrounded by family in her 81st year.Nelly was the second youngest of five girls: Jeanne, Christine, Rieke, Nelly and Mia born to her parents William and Dorothy Schouten. As a young girl she enjoyed sports and loved dancing and music. She would often tell the story of how she was so happy to stay up late and turn the phonograph handle on the record player so that her older sisters could dance. When she finished school she became a midwife, staying with families and helping out with all their household duties. With one family, she got put to work on their farm and helped milk their cows. This was where she met the milk truck driver, her future husband, Nicholas Wouters. Nick left for Canada to begin his new job but sent letters back and forth to Nelly. He returned to Holland, where they were married on February 25, 1960. Together they immigrated to Canada. This was a difficult time for Nelly as she left her family and friends at the age of 19, thinking she would never see them again. In 1963, Nick and Nelly purchased their first farm in Port Perry. Nelly was a busy, hardworking lady. She had 3 children under the age of three, she gathered eggs each day and looked after the barns. In 1973, Nick and Nelly moved to the Gore of Downie (Perth South) with their 4 children to farm and raise their busy family. They became active members of the Holy Name Parish in St. Marys. Nelly enjoyed travelling in their motorhome all over Canada and the United States making many friends along the way. Nelly was an amazing cook and loved hosting dinner parties for friends and family which always began with a “happy hour” drink. Everyone was welcome at Nelly's table. Over the last ten years of her life, Nelly's Alzheimer's progressed but we were blessed as she continued to be a very sweet and loving woman. Many of her wonderful caregivers at Kingsway Nursing Home in St. Marys would attest to that. Nelly loved and adored her 17 grandchildren and her 11 great grandchildren. At Christmas time, she would be on the floor amongst them all competing to win the final game prize. She was also proud to show them how she could easily juggle 5 balls and beat them all at a skipping match.Together, Nick and Nelly raised 4 children: John (Holly), Ron (Pat), Margaret (John), and Nick (Yvonne). Oma to Travis (Hannah), Austin, Narissa, Scott (Christie), Erin (Kyle), Mark (Courtney), Vivianna, Isabella (Jay), Lisa (Allan), Michael, Nick (Nicole), Randy (Stephanie), Carly, Paula (Clayton), and Ella. Great Oma to Brooklyn, Brady, Nelson, Henry, Jayden, Tayia, Jack, Max, Joey, Clayton and Penny.She was predeceased by two cherished grandsons: Bradley (1995) and Eric (2005) who she now joins.A private family service will be held.In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the El Salvador Homes for Hope or the Huron Perth Alzheimer's Society.Don't weep at my grave For I am not there I've a date with a butterfly to dance in the air. I'll be singing in the sunshine, wild and free playing tag with the wind while I am waiting for thee.