Pieternella Clasina Ziegler

Nella (Pieternella) Clasina Ziegler, of Athabasca, Alberta, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the age of 79, in her home with her husband, daughter, and grandsons by her side. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, and recently a proud great-grandmother. She was also a cherished sister, aunt, and friend to many, whose warmth, kindness, and quiet strength touched everyone who knew her.

Pieternella Clasina Ryksen was born on June 21, 1946, in Heelsun, Gelderland Netherlands, to Jan and Janna Ryksen. She was the third of six children. The family immigrated to Canada in May 1952, settling first in Blackfalds, Alberta. The following year, they moved to Edmonton, where Nella completed her early schooling. The family later moved to Three Hills, Alberta, where they purchased the local bakery. Nella worked there alongside her parents and siblings, helping with the family business. In 1964, when her father purchased the Hillside Restaurant, she continued her hardworking nature by taking on roles in both the bakery and the restaurant.

In the Three Hills area, Nella met the love of her life, Raymond Ziegler. They were married on June 21, 1968, and soon began building a life together on their family farm, shaped by love, laughter, and hard work. They welcomed two children, Darcy in 1969 and Trina in 1972. In 1989, the family moved to the Athabasca area, which remained her home until her passing. The loss of their son Darcy in 2015 was a sorrow Nella carried with quiet strength, grace, and enduring love.

Nella was the heart of her home—steadfast, nurturing, and endlessly patient. Whether tending to the daily demands of farm life, preparing meals that brought everyone to the table, or offering gentle support and a listening ear, she approached each day with grace and compassion. Her greatest joy came from

caring for her family and creating a home filled with warmth, comfort, and belonging.

She had a gentle spirit and a warm smile that immediately put others at ease. Nella found joy in life’s simple pleasures, including time spent with family and friends, trips to the auction, crossword and Sudoku puzzles, and her cherished cross-stitching. Her easygoing nature and “go with the flow” attitude made her a pleasure to be around, no matter what the day held.

As the years passed, Nella embraced her role as a grandmother with pride and joy. She treasured her grandsons, Travis (1997) and Dylan (2004), celebrating their milestones and supporting them wholeheartedly. More recently, she was blessed to become a great-grandmother, a role that filled her with immense pride and happiness.

Nella was predeceased by her parents, Jan and Janna Ryksen; her infant brother, Rudolph; her older sister, Rina, and Rina’s husband, Theo; her younger brother, Rudy; her niece, Eden; and her nephew, Shane.

She is survived by her oldest brother, Herman (Bonnie), and her sister, Jennie (Gordon), daughter in law Diana Ziegler as well as many nieces and nephews who she loved deeply and who meant the world to her. She is also lovingly remembered by Raymond’s brothers and sisters and their families, who were like siblings to her and with whom she shared many cherished memories.

Nella’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and unwavering devotion. She will be profoundly missed by Raymond, her devoted husband of 56 years; her daughter Trina; her grandsons Travis (Amber) and Dylan; her great-grandchildren Addyson and Kody; her extended family; and all who were blessed to know her. She is reunited in peace with her beloved son Darcy.

Friends may pay their respects Wednesday January 21, 2026 from 3:00 PM-6:00 PM at the Athabasca Community Chapel.

A celebration of Nella’s life will be held on Thursday January 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Athabasca Missionary Church, with a time of fellowship to follow. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to a charity of their choice in honor of Nella’s caring spirit. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to friends, neighbors, and community members for their support during this difficult time.

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