Nelina Heywood

Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.

Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed, and very dear.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Nelina (Nellie/Nel) Heywood (nee Lucchini) of Calgary, AB. She passed away peacefully on Monday, February 3, 2025, at the age of 91 years.

Nellie was born on December 7, 1933, in Cadomin, AB to Adele and Calisto Lucchini.

After finishing high school Nellie continued her education at the Misericordia Hospital in Edmonton, AB graduating at the top of her class as a Registered Nurse. She began her nursing career at the hospital in Blairmore, AB then after moving to Didsbury, AB she worked at the Auxiliary Hospital there. She ended her long successful nursing career in Calgary at the Carewest Dr. Vernon Fanning Centre. She touched the lives of so many patients and families with her genuine, caring and empathetic nature.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Kevin, and Jodie (Jeff); granddaughter, Rachel, all of Calgary, AB; as well as her two sisters, Norina Spooner of Cranbrook, BC, and Sylvia Hill of Bellevue, AB. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

Nellie was a wonderful mom and granny. She was an active part of her children’s life, cheering them on during swim meets, hockey, figure skating, ringette as well as numerous other activities when her kids were growing up. Even as adults, she was their biggest supporter. This was also true of her granddaughter. Rachel was blessed to have a special relationship with her granny. In what spare time Nellie had, she loved curling, knitting and reading a great murder mystery book.

Special thanks go out to the incredible nursing team at AgeCare SkyPointe – Pineridge East for providing Nel with compassion, empathy, love and exceptional care over the past 3 years.

With respect for Nelina’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. If family or friends so desire donations may be directed towards the Alzheimer Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite 1600, Toronto, ON M4R 1K8, Telephone: 1-800-616-8816 https://alzheimer.ca/en

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

Proverbs 31:31