Nellie Konkin was born to Polly & William Chernoff in Winlaw on February 3, 1934. She grew up in Vallican. She was the oldest of four girls. In 1954 she married John Konkin. Together, they had three children and resided in Slocan Park. In 1965, Nellie moved to Nelson where she continued her studies and in 1968, became a nurse. She in worked at Mount St. Francis for many years.
She will be remembered for the kindness and thoughtfulness show to others. Nellie loved her many friends and leaves this world with a legacy of friendships and relationships. Her love of nature is a reflection of all her interests and pursuits in her life. She travelled to many countries which added to her repetoire of stories. She loved cooking, fishing, kayaking, and hiking but especially gardening. She loved flowers, houseplants, all plants; and called them all by name. She enjoyed her girlfriends and could not express how important it is to stay in touch. She enjoyed people from all walks of life and her bright smile was a gift she shared with all which went well with her endless supply of food.
She is predeceased by her parents, her sister Margaret Saliken of Cranbrook, BC, her husband John Konkin of Slocan Park in December 1977, and her granddaughter Alyssa Santarossa of Grande Prairie, AB in March 1990.
She is survived by her sisters: Helen Kootnikoff of Slocan Park and Barbara Ward of Summerland and their families. She is survived by her children, Daniel Konkin of Radium, his sons Michael Konkin, spouse, daughter, and great grandchild Kelsie of Missoula, MT and Russell Konkin and spouse and great grandchildren Gaby and Lucas of Medford, OR. Her son Howard Konkin of New Westminister, BC and daughter Francie George of Grande Prairie, AB and her children Amanda Santarossa of Edmonton, AB and her son Ian Santarossa of Grande Prairie, AB.
She died peacefully with friends by her side on April 20, 2017. The family would like to thank all the staff of Mountain Lakes for the care extended to Nellie during her time there. Your kindness is deeply appreciated.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 27, 2017 at the Adventure Hotel, previously known as The New Grand Hotel at 1:00pm.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Creston Wildlife Society.