Ellen "Nookie" M. Toews

Ellen M. “Nookie” Toews, 80, of Walhalla, ND passed away Thursday, August 20, 2020, at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital, Cavalier, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, August 24, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held Sunday, August 23rd from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. rosary service.

     Ellen M. “Nookie” Goulet was born December 7, 1939 at Concrete, ND to Paul and Mary (Vondal) Goulet. She grew up at Concrete and later moved to Walhalla, where she was a cheerleader while she attended school.

     She married Charles Henry Jerome and together they had three children, Sherry, Sheila, and James. Nookie later married Abe Toews on October 6, 1967 at Hallock, MN. To this union two children were born, Darla and Jon.

   Together, Ellen and Abe made a home next to her parents in Walhalla. She worked picking potatoes and as a waitress before becoming a stay at home Mom. She was uncommonly kind and was a grandma, aunty, or second mom to many of the neighborhood kids throughout the decades. Her home was a safe haven and she kept her door open for anyone in need. She was always willing to listen or give advice or help however she could. She loved rummage sales and music and Christmas. Ellen faced life fearlessly with her family and faith in God. She was a fierce woman who loved family above all and took great pride in her children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is passing on a legacy of love.

     Nookie is survived by her husband, Abe, children: Sheila Forrey and James (Cathy) Jerome, all of Walhalla, ND, Darla (Shawn) Jerome, Grand Forks, ND, and Jon Toews, Walhalla, ND. Also surviving are her grandchildren: Jeff (Kim), Suzanne (Jeff) and Kasandra; Robert (Alexa) and Jesse (Laenee); and Nikki (Eric), Christopher (Emily), Brady (Jackie); Jacob, Piper, and Gavyn; 19 great-grandchildren.

     Preceding her in death were her parents, daughter, Sherry, and siblings: Mary Dorella “Che-Che” Johnson, Paul Leonard Goulet and David Louis “Sonny” Goulet.