Madeline Helene (Summerville) Nelson

Esther Madeline Helene Nelson, of Magrath, Alberta, passed away peacefully at age 90 on January 5, 2026 in Lethbridge, Alberta due to complications from surgery, with her daughter at her side.

Madeline was a petite and spunky Irish lady that loved life and laughter.  Her bright personality and quick wit made her a friend and confidante to all she met.

Madeline was born on May 22,1935 in Portadown, Armagh, Northern Ireland to loving parents James and Katherine (Houston) Summerville. At the young age of 17, Madeline spent over a year away from her family, being treated for tuberculosis, at a facility in Belfast.  Her mother took the bus weekly (carrying a thermos full of Irish stew) to visit her beloved daughter awaiting her full recovery.

She later moved to Montreal, Canada where she married and had two children, Jimmy and Jo-Ann.  She was a homemaker and raised her children there, later working in retail. Madeline loved her work as well as shopping, small animals, and Aero Bars with 7-Up. She was a skilled knitter and often made beautiful gifts for family and friends, which are still treasured today.

In 1982 she moved to Alberta to be closer to her daughter Jo-Ann, who had moved and married there. 

Madeline was preceded in death by her parents, son Jimmy, sister May Palmer, brother-in-law Garth Palmer, sister-in-law Hilda (Beattie) Summerville and sister-in-law Gloria (Nelson) Weissbock. She is survived by her husband John Nelson, brother Jerome, daughter Jo-Ann Wilcox Jackson, grandchildren  Nelson and Leah, as well as bonus grandchildren Jade, Garrett, Caleb, Hailey, Cheyenne, and Sierra. She leaves behind great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews who adored knowing her and experiencing her fun and joyful spirit, which she generously shared with all around her.

Madeline leaves a lasting impact on all who know her. Heaven was brightened by her arrival!

We express appreciation for the staff at Good Sam’s Garden Vista in Magrath who cared for her during the last years of her life, and the many friends she made among both staff and residents while there.

A graveside service and celebration of life will be held later this year where she will be laid to rest at the Magrath Cemetery in Alberta, Canada.

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