By Arleen Macpherson
Published December 2001
On Monday November 12 Nellie Pautler died after a six month illness. My favourite memory of Nellie is of an encounter during a Christmas dinner celebration at St. John’s Kitchen. Nellie was always there for special occasions as well as on her regular volunteer days. At this event there was a large crowd, abundant good food and spontaneous music being played that lifted your feet right off the floor. As I walked down the room toward her, Nellie extended her arms and engaged me in a dance. It was glorious! She was a great leader in this, her special gift, she had wonderful rhythm and very light feet. It was fun! Thanks for the memory, Nellie.
I will miss Nellie. But her spirit will always be present as a sample and as a part of the larger spirit that animates St. John’s. Kitchen. My life is richer for having connected with Nellie during her lifetime.
Nellie was a regular volunteer at St. John’s Kitchen from its beginning in 1985 through to her last visit in March.
2001 — a full sixteen years. This is indicative of her strong sense of both loyalty and commitment. Even after she took up residence in homes for seniors, she continued her commitment and also embraced the cause of her new homes. I arrived at a bazaar and bake sale for Sunnyside Home one day and told the organizers that Nellie had invited me. They replied that almost everyone there had been invited by Nellie. They credited her, in some measure, with the success of the sale. It was a joy to know Nellie. She was easy to like because she was so natural. No pretensions or hidden agenda, Nellie was always just herself. She was a truly human person who brought out the humanity in others.
