“If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.”

— Maya Angelou

Ellen Anne Nein

1946 - 2024

Ellie lived a life defined by love, generosity, and an open heart. Whether caring for her children, friends, or even strangers in need, she embodied the spirit of compassion.

She was a mother not only to Rachel and Annie but to so many others, welcoming Tammie, Cindy, and countless others into her home with open arms. She opened her doors to the Nguyen family after the war, providing them with a safe place to rebuild their lives. Her kindness extended to the smallest creatures, as she had a lifelong love for animals, rescuing and caring for many beloved dogs throughout the years.

Mama Quyen once said, “They have a diamond heart to take us, because we not related to them. But with their love, we can do everything.” These words embody Ellie’s spirit. Her love was a foundation upon which others could build their lives. She embraced people as they were, offering kindness and belonging without condition.

Her warmth was felt in the simplest gestures - long drives in bad weather to pick up family, surprise Shamrock Shakes when a little comfort was needed, or stepping in to help without hesitation, whether it was babysitting, covering a bill, or simply being a steady presence. She never gave up on anyone, even those who were challenging - she always showed love and support. In her unwavering commitment to family, Ellie tenderly cared for her parents, Joe and Bea, as well as her in-laws, Lois and Lee, as they passed on.

She found joy in community, whether volunteering at Pet Haven, spending time at ASCA conformation dog shows, or enjoying her life in New Bern, NC. Family recalls her strolling downtown with her dogs, her radiant spirit drawing smiles and even invitations for boat rides.

From childhood memories in Crookston, to weekends spent with family in Edina, to summers filled with music and attending the Granettes Drum Corps performances in St Cloud, she cultivated connections that lasted a lifetime. She loved music deeply - so much so that she spent time ushering at concerts in Minneapolis, even at a performance by Mahalia Jackson, a memory she cherished.

Family loved talking on the phone with her. Every call ended with a classic Minnesota goodbye - long and full of love. Before hanging up, she’d always say, “Give yourself a hug from me,” a final embrace across the miles.

We welcome shared memories and will be celebrating Ellie’s life on June 13 in Edina, MN.

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Will you be attending the celebration of life on 6/13/25 at Pamela Park in Edina, MN?

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We welcome memories of Ellie, here.

“Give yourself a hug from me.”
Ellie Nein
1946 - 2024
Ron and Clarine: I remember the motherly love she had for Annie and Rachel. She also shared that love with Tammie and Cindy. I also remember her opening her home to the Vietnamese family after the Vietnam conflict. She also shared her love and talents to give extended care to Mom and Dad as they struggled with life-ending illnesses. Her love for animals was a lifelong experience from dogs to horses. She spread that love to many rescue dogs that were by her side for many years.
Tammie: She welcomed Cindy and me with open arms, always included us, drove long hours to pick us up, even when the weather was bad. She bought me milkshakes whenever there was friend or boyfriend drama (McDonald’s Shamrock Shakes). She babysat every time I needed help and paid my Target bill when I was short on funds. Had a heart of gold.
Cindy: Favorite memories include hanging out with the Moens in Crookston. We’d always take our kids to visit ‘Grandma Upstairs’ (Lois) and ‘Grandma Downstairs’ (Ellie) in Edina. Weekends in St. Paul when she was sharing her home with the Nguyens. A summer in St. Cloud when she got us involved in the Granettes Drum Corp. I associate her with ‘Ma Bell,’ dogs, watching TV late at night, red hair, expressive personalities, and other little things like that.
Rachel: I loved how happy she was at the ASCA conformation shows, back when she was volunteering for Pet Haven, and how she had a chance to be very happy in New Bern. It was adorable watching her walk downtown and have guys asking her to ride on their boat.
Diem: Ellie was a second mom to me. I cherish all the memories she helped create. As my mom Mama Quyen would say, “We would not have survived without Ellie and Terry” I hope she is surrounded by all the animals she loved. She will be missed.
Dan: I loved hanging out at Grandma Ellie’s house! I remember a neighbor that would sometimes watch us there and a very awesome set of Ninja Turtle sheets that Grandma got for me. Sending lots of love!
Aimee: Ellie was such a special person.
Debbie: Ellie was such a truly special lady. Everyone she met became a friend. So many memories. I met her when I went to a Pet Haven adoption day. Dogs have always been our connection. Miss her.
Dee: I first met Ellie at the phone company, where as the new woman in the office, I saw Ellie’s t-shirt and made the mistake of asking, ‘What’s Pet Haven?’ Thirty years and a multitude of foster dogs later, I miss just hearing her voice on the phone. So glad for that t-shirt!
Ingvor: Ellie was always so nice and helpful. She taught me a lot about how it is to live in the U.S. when we came to Edina. We got the best neighbor we could ever ask for.
Maria: I am so sorry to hear of Ellie’s passing!! She was a wonderful person, a part of me and my sister’s growing up too. I remember her fighting with those dogs to keep them in line, down in the basement apartment. Making casseroles. Letting us play Tetris on the tele. Going upstairs to help Grandma and Grandpa Nein.
Anne: “During the COVID lockdown on Whidbey Island, I had the gift of time with my mom. She lived with me, and in those months, I felt like I finally got to care for her in the way she had always cared for me. I loved making her favorite meals, listening to music together, playing endless card games at the kitchen table, and walking mile after mile in Trustland Trails. In those quiet moments, I got to kow her not just as my mother, but as a person — and what I saw was beautiful.”
Kristie: Ellie and I shared a love of Aussies and had so much fun doing Aussie Advocate events together over the years. Ellie was a sweet and kind woman and I will always remember her genuine smile.
Grete: She was always so sweet.