Kliever, Nellie Ann Loewen (1912-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Jul 12 p. 27

Birth date: 1912 Nov 3

text of obituary:

NELLIE ANN KLIEVER

Nellie Ann Kliever of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Apr. 19. She was born Nov. 3, 1912 to Jacob and Sarah Loewen in Sunnyslope, Alta. After grade 8, she worked on her parents' farm near Linden, Alta., caring for her grandmother and siblings, cooking, gardening and helping in the fields and barns. For 10 years she regularly drove to Calgary to sell poultry and fresh produce door-to-door. She earned a practical nursing licence by correspondence and worked for a local doctor. She married Andrew Kliever in 1944. They worked on a farm near Calgary for 7 months, then rented the Loewen farm for 6 1/2 years. In 1951 they moved to Abbotsford and bought a farm. Andy became bookkeeper at a car dealership. Nellie and the 3 children did janitorial work for the dealership and worked summers in the berry fields. They lived on 2 1/2 acres, and she had a huge garden. She spent many hours canning and preserving berries, fruit and vegetables. Later, she worked at Menno Hospital as a nurse's aid, then in the kitchen. In 1973 she left work to care for 2 granddaughters. She taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school at the Alliance church. She was a charter member of the Evangelical Free church. Retired, she spent 1 day a week at MCC sorting donations. She sewed clothing and blankets for MCC, even after losing most of her eyesight. She loved to crochet. She cared for Andy during periods of ill health. In 1999 Andy died. She moved to Terrace Apartments at Menno Home. In August 2001 lung cancer was found. Predeceased by Andy, 2 infant sisters and 4 brothers, she is mourned by children Marion, Harvey and Jean; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters and 1 brother. The memorial service was Apr. 26 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld and Heinz Ratzlaff ministering.