Nellie Boerboom

Nellie E. (Van Maldeghem) Boerboom was born on May 25, 1915, to EdmuNd and Romania (DeBuscher) Van Maldeghem about 10 miles from Shawmut, Montana. She moved to Marshall with her family in 1925. She attended country school through the 8th grade. Nellie worked at Swift & Co and did housework for several families. Nellie married Harry J. Boerboom on February 4, 1941 in Green Valley, MN. They lived 2 miles east of Ghent and then moved to Harry’s family farm 1 Mile east of Ghent in 1955. They lived on the farm until 1979, when they bought a house on the outskirts of Ghent. She belonged to Ghent Auxiliary and was an active member of St. Ann’s Altar Society, a 4-H adult leader for over 45 years for the Grandview Willing Workers, and the Ghent Senior Center. Nellie was well known for her homemade breads and her fantastic meals. On Saturday she turned into the beautician for the neighbors and friends that either needed their hair cut, permanent or just needed their hair fixed for the week. She enjoyed all animals especially her huge black cat and enjoyed growing flowers, gardening, dancing and playing cards with their card club. The grandkids and great grand kids were always her main attraction and the highlight of her life.

Nellie died on Monday, March 28, 2011, in Minneota, MN. She is survived by six children Everett (Jeanette) Boerboom of Kenosha, WI, Jeanette (Curt) Neyens of Minneota, Ron (Marian) Boerboom of Anoka, Joyce (Ernie) Viaene of Cottonwood, Marlene (John) DeSmet of Minneota, and Duane Boerboom of CAnby. She is also survived by a brother Jim Van Maldeghem of Marshall, 17 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, baby daughter, husband Harry (64 years), brother Hank, many sister-and brother in-laws, 3 grandchIldren Jennifer Neyens, John Paul DeSmet, and Joleen DeSmet.