Obituary

Nellie was born on a houseboat in the Netherlands and grew up on a Green House Farm. Starting from a young age alongside her Dad, she raised Roses and Carnations that were sold to the Flower Mart in Holland. Working in this greenhouse cultivating flowers taught her one of her life passions of having an amazing green thumb.

Nellie met her husband Johannes on a bridge in Aalsmeer, where he offered her a ride home. This started the courtship that led to their 72 year marriage on March 2, 1950.  Soon after, they travelled by ship on a 6-week journey to Canada. Finally, in 1958, after waiting to be sponsored for 7 years in Canada, they could enter the United States. John and Nellie had three young sons, and 6-month-old twins for the drive.

In Nellie’s younger years she went to Seamstress School to learn sewing, embroidery, needle point, crocheting, cross stitch, and braiding rugs. She was able to use this talent to knit sweaters for her children and grandchildren, which she did so by hand until she mastered the use of her knitting machine.

Nellie was a fierce and wonderful woman with many loves in her life including her family, friends and especially her Cacti and Euphorbias. Her green thumb motivated her to search high and low for the most unique Cacti which turned into a beautifully grown, large collection that she has now left to her family.

She is survived by her husband Johannes Frederick ten Broek, children John (Canty), Nelson (Teresa), Catherine Shackford (Mark), Gary (Wendy), Margaret Simich (Steve). She also is survived by her brother, Jan ( Guda) and many nieces and nephews in Holland

Grandchildren; Joshua, Erin, Tyler, Jonathon, Jackie, Julia, Marcus, Nick, Audrey, Matthew and Sofie, and many Great- grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents Jacob and Aartje, her two sisters, Coos and Geertrui and her son Jacob predeceased her in 2020.

She touched our hearts with her great smile, laugh, soft spoken words and kind spirit.

She will be missed beyond words.