Petronella (Nellie) Schille (Nijman) (March 7, 1926 – June 4, 2017)

After a 91-year life as a loved and cherished daughter, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, Nellie passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 4, 2017. 

Nellie was born to Mathias and Anna Maria (Strobbe) Nijman  in North Battleford, SK on March 7, 1926, where she lived most of her life. Nellie met, and married, the love of her life, Edward Schille in that same small town, where they raised four children: Edward, Roxanne, Jim, and Lexine. A devoted mother and wife, Nellie made sure Ed and the kids were always fed, clothed, and most importantly, loved. During this time, Nellie worked as a nurse at Notre Dame Hospital, and then as the Director of Nursing at the North Battleford Indian Hospital. She was a well-respected healthcare provider, making a tangible difference to those she cared for, and to the community she lived in. 

Nellie was blessed with 9 grandchildren, who were truly a focal point in her life and 17 great grandchildren. Nellie loved to have her children and grandchildren visit, the house packed with family. It was always a case of “the more the merrier”, especially at Christmas. Whenever the grandchildren were around, Nellie always had special treats ready to give away. It became so common for her to have such an unending supply of loonies and candies in her purse that all of her grandchildren referred to it as the “magic purse”. Nellie’s passion was truly for her grandchildren. 

Nellie will always be remembered for her unending love of family and friends. 

Cherished Memories of Martinsville in charge of arrangements. A private celebration of Nellie’s life will be held later this summer.

• Date : 2017-06-04
• Location : Saskatoon