Obituary of Nelly-Gay Turner

It is with great sadness that Nelly’s immediate family – Husband, Ernie and children, Brett, Cliff and Darrell announce her peaceful passage into heaven.

A week before her gentle passing, Nelly said “I have to leave this body because I want to get back to doing things!” (More on this later…)

Dearest Nelly was born and raised in Pretoria, South Africa. As the only child of Cornelia (Nancy) and Albert (Sonny) Rabie, she grew up in a loving and fun household. She was a brilliant student, full of passion and energy.

Before you knew it Nelly was in her late teens at university when she met the love of her life, Ernest (Ernie) Turner. That was the beginning of a sixty-two-year love affair. Nelly and Ernie adored each other from the start. Mom and Dad married on April 25th, 1964, with the blessing of Sonny and Nancy as well as Ernie’s Mom and Dad (Veronica and Ernest Turner). Theirs was a profound romance and friendship that is yet to be replicated in movies or books. Their love is eternal.

Three sons, Brett, Cliff and Darrell were born to these loving, caring and adventurous parents. Life in South Africa was good, but Nelly and Ernie wanted a better life for their children. They uprooted everything they had built and moved to Canada in 1976. Still very young, they embraced Canada and all she has to offer. Life was good and soon their children went on to marry and give Nelly and Ernie the loveliest of grandchildren: Adelaide and Hudson (Brett); Felix and Finn (Cliff) and Nancy, Neil, Hannah, and Gabriel (Darrell).

Nelly had countless friends. This brings us back to her last wish that she could get back to “doing things.” Mom was constantly busy and her mission in life was to serve. Like Rotary and Knights of Columbus, Nelly was her own ‘service club.’ Each and every day, Nelly was committed to helping her husband and family, numerous friends, strangers, animals and anyone who crossed her path. Mom loved all. Nelly gave of herself tirelessly. It is impossible to list all the kind and caring things she did for people. Likewise, there are countless recipients of her love, devotion, and hard work. Mom served like no other. “Doing things” was Nelly’s reason for being – not for herself, but for others.

Nelly also loved her Shelties and her friend Judi Byrne who brought them into her life. Mom’s dogs (Sonny, Rodney, Timmy, and Dibley) were her pride and joy.

Unfortunately, cancer intervened in Nelly’s life three years ago. She fought it valiantly with a smile. Mom never complained for a single second, but rather remained positive and happy. Up to her last day, she sang the praises of all the oncology professionals and staff at Saint John Regional Hospital. There are too many names to list here, but please know Nelly loved each and every one who helped her. We can’t thank them enough. We also would like to recognize and thank Nelly’s closest friend, Janice Franklin, who was a rock for Mom, her family, and friends each and every day.

Nelly respectfully asked for no flowers. If you would like to do something in memory of her, a contribution to Saint John’s Regional Hospital Foundation would be lovely.

Mom and Dad found solace and comfort at St. Mark Catholic Church in Quispamsis. As such a Mass and Nelly’s Celebration of Life will be held there on Thursday, December 21st at 11am. We’ll have a casual lunch right after the ceremony. Please come to share stories, tears, and laughter. Mom didn’t like suits, ties or anything formal. Please feel free to wear something comfortable in the joyous spirit of Christmas. Nelly can’t wait to see you.

In closing, here are Nelly’s favourite words, TO FILL THE WORLD WITH LOVE, by Audrey M:

In the morning of my life, I shall look to the sunrise
At the moment of my life when the world is new
And the blessing I shall ask is that God will grant me
To be brave and strong and true
And to fill the world with love my whole life through

And to fill the world with love
And to fill the world with love
And to full the world with love
My whole life through

In the noontime of my life, I shall look to the sunshine
At a moment of my life when the sky is blue
And the blessing I shall ask will remain unchanging
To be brave and strong and true
And to fill the world with love my whole life through

In the evening of my life, I shall look to the sunset
At the moment of my life when the night is due
And the question I shall ask only God can answer
Was I brave and strong and true?

Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?
Did I fill the world with love?
Did I fill the world with love?
Did I fill the world with love
My whole life

Arrangements are under the care of Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (506-849-2119). A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mark's Catholic Church, 171 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 11:00 AM, with a reception following the Mass at St. Mark's Church.