Obituary of "Blanche" Nellie Atwell

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Nellie "Blanche" (MacDonald) Atwell, 91, formerly of Canning, New Minas and Scotts Bay, announce that she passed away on November 26, 2016 at the Wolfville Nursing Home. Born in Halls Harbour, Kings County, she was a daughter of the late Cyrus and Laura (MacDonald) Stuart. She retired from Formex in Kentville where she had been employed for many years. Blanche was an avid fan of both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Blue Jays to the point where she kept her own book of statistics, particularly on her beloved Leafs. She was an excellent cook and was particularly well known for her delicious pies, although she was often heard to say "the pastry didn't roll out well, it won't be very good, we may have to throw it out." She is survived by a daughter Laura (Blair) Steele of Scotts Bay; son Ken (Jan) Pineo of New Minas; stepdaughter Dorothy Lawson of Sydney; stepson John "Jack" (Joan) MacDonald of Winnipeg, MB; sister Kathleen Baker of Lower Sackville; grandchildren Mark (Michelle); Rebecca (Ross); Kevin (Natalie) and Stephanie (Jason); great grandchildren Ella; Abigayle; Lauren and Adam; "adopted" daughter Helen (Dan) Batherson of Calgary, AB and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by husband William (Bill) MacDonald, second husband John Atwell, as well as eight brothers Frank; Howard; Wells; Arthur; Ernest; Kenneth; Gordon and George. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Lindsay Annapolis Valley Funeral Home & Chapels, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr. (902-679-2822). In keeping with Blanche's wishes, cremation has already taken place. A Graveside Service will be held on December 1, 2016 at 2:00 pm in the Hillaton Cemetery, Saxon Street, Canning. Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory may be made to the Canning Fire Department, the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Alzheimer Society.