Ellen "Nellie" Rabey (Lyons) Herd

Ellen (Nellie) Herd

1928 – 2019

Ellen Rabey (Nellie) Herd, nee Lyons, passed away on February 21, 2019 at the age of 90 years.

Ellen was born in Thunderhill on August 23, 1928.  She was the youngest child of John William and Agnes Jean Lyons. Upon her birth they could not agree on her name.  Her mother wanted, Ellen Rabey, and her father, Nellie. After some discussion Ellen was agreed on but, her father said, “she will still always be my little Nellie”, that name stuck, and she was known as Nellie by everyone from that day onward.

Nellie was educated in Thunderhill and moved to Benito where she married Jack Herd in 1949. They lived in Bento where they raised two children and Jack served as postmaster until his passing in 1974.

Nellie lived in the Valley all her life, she loved her community and was an active member of the United Church Auxiliary (UCW), Eastern Star and the Legion Auxiliary. She was renowned for not holding back her opinion and for her loyalty to family and friends. Nellie was compassionate and generous to those in need and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Nellie is predeceased by her parents and her loving husband Jack Herd, her three brothers, Richard John, James Alexander, Kennedy George and her two sisters, Janet Olivia and Margaret Elizabeth.

Nellie (Mom) will be sorely missed by many and always in her family’s heart. She is survived by son Dale William Herd of Benito; daughter Patricia Louise Knight (Andy) of Coquitlam British Columbia; as well as two grandchildren, Devin (Cristina) Knight of Port Coquitlam, Alexis Playdon (Matt) and two great grandchildren Sawyer and Nixon all from Maple Ridge, British Columbia; as well as many nieces and nephews some still living in the Valley.

        “If there comes a day where we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.” From Winnie the Pooh.

In keeping with Nellie’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

If friends so desire, donations in Nellie’s memory may be made to: Benito Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Box 233, Benito, Manitoba R0L 0C0

Swan Valley Funeral Services

363 Kelsey Trail, Swan River, Manitoba

204-734-5775  www.swanvalleyfuneralservices

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