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Nelda Macht Obituary


NELDA "MIMI" MACHT
May 4, 1921 ~ September 20, 2017
"The Hug Card Lady"

Nelda, 96, was born to Andrew and Carrie Dobslow in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The family moved to Portland, OR and she became a citizen when her father was naturalized. She attended Jefferson High School and later enrolled in beauty school. She didn't practice long before it seemed she was allergic to human hair.
She met her husband Bill in the hop fields and worked at the cannery to pay for her wedding dress. They were married September 1, 1939 and enjoyed almost 48 years prior to his death in August '87. After he retired, they traveled to Hawaii, California, the Oregon coast, and casinos.
She had the opportunity to go to Europe with his two sisters, as well as traveling to the Philippines, Alaska, Branson MO., Australia, New Zealand, and back to Europe to celebrate her 80th birthday. She and daughter Tana were in Germany on 9/11 and had trouble getting back to the U.S.
Over the years she was a car hop, owned a drive-in restaurant, and worked at J.C. Penneys for about 15 years. She made some 50+ year friendships with some of her "Penneys Gals." In 1972 she turned in her "two cents" and quit. A couple years later she started caring for her granddaughter Karen who nicknamed her "MiMi," which stuck throughout the rest of her life.
MiMi made a difference in the community in many ways. She volunteered on the Clark County Crisis Line program (with Karen), for the disabled parking patrol, and was a peer mentor for women who had undergone mastectomies. She also co-sponsored potlucks at her rec center.
She enjoyed playing slot machines, cards, dominoes and riding her bike. She remained in her own home until 2014 when it was discovered she had a broken back. She was always upbeat and her sense of humor remained throughout her life. She would say she wanted to go out "honky tonkin," and "there's not a damn thing the matter with me." She loved to laugh and make others laugh. She had a gentle side along with a love of beauty, and enjoyed keeping an extensive collection of swans and tending flowers.
MiMi was sometimes known as "The Hug Lady". She made thousands of "Hug Cards" over the past 20 years. These coupons were "Good for one hug, redeemable from any participating human being," and were given to friends, family, acquaintances, and those she met while traveling.
She was loved by family, friends, and caregivers. She is survived by her daughter Tana Hart; granddaughter Karen and husband Paul Asbury; great-granddaughters Danielle and Zoe; sister-in-law Carol and numerous nieces and nephews. MiMi was preceded in death by her loving husband Bill; her parents; her son-in-law Johnnie; her sisters Grace and Emma.
There will be an Open House "Celebration of Life" where attendees are encouraged to share remembrances of her on Saturday, September 30, 2017 between 2 - 5 pm at her granddaughter's home. Random acts of kindness in her memory would be very much appreciated by the family and/or donations can be made in her name to your favorite charity. Her last wish for you:
"Enjoy yourself… it's later than you think."
Please sign her guestbook at www.columbian.com/obits

Published by The Columbian on Sep. 24, 2017.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
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My moms working partner at JC Penny’s.
Georgia Kelly

Georgia Johnson

Friend

September 14, 2020

Neld and my mother Jewel Kelly worked together at JC Penny's for about 15 yrs. I remember. Visiting with her on the lunch hour upstairs in the small lunch room.I went with my mom to Nelda's house in Washougal ,Wash. She was a lot of fun to be around.

Georgia Johnson

September 27, 2017

Tana, karen, and family, i have fond memories of visiting your Mom and Dad and staying at their house. Your Mom was always very caring and wanted to make sure us kids were having a great time. She had a great laugh and obviously enjoyed life.

Tim Schiewe

September 26, 2017

I send my prayers and sympathy to Tana and family. I missed Mimi and Tana, after moving to Yucca Valley Ca. I know she is going to save us all a good spot when we see her again. Mimi was always so kind to everyone, I will also miss her , but we will see each other again !. Much love to all,Tana I send much love, and you keep trucking I just know God wants you to keep your spirits up. PETE Chavez

pete chavez

September 24, 2017

Nelda, you were my first boss when I started working for JCP in 1967. We have been friends for all those years, and I have some wonderful memories of you and Bill sharing some fun times together! You were a special lady, and you will be missed !

Rosmarie Yarbrough

September 24, 2017

Mimi you are missed and were so deeply loved ❤
-Al Sheller

Al Sheller

September 24, 2017

Tana and family, Bill and I are so sorry for the loss of your dear, wonderful Nelda. I enjoyed playing BUNCO with her, always looking forward to seeing her big smile and cute little chuckle. She will be missed by many. We keep you in our thoughts and prayers. The Leonards

September 24, 2017

NELDA was a wonderful lady. Knew her for many years.We will miss her.

Gene Munson

September 24, 2017

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