Kelley Ann Nelson

December 23, 1965 - September 28, 2021

Funeral Details: Saturday, October 16, 2021 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at Liberty North - 100 Caplan Drive Barrie, ON.

After an extensive battle with multiple brain tumours, Kelley Ann Nelson, aged 55, passed away peacefully at home, with her family by her side, on September 28th, 2021.

Kelley was born on December 23, 1965 in Ottawa, Ontario to Ronald Sims and Rejane Cuerrier.  She was the cherished wife of Stephen Nelson for 31 years.  Kelley was the loved mother of Ryan Nelson, and Kaitlyn Nelson, and adored sister of Lisa Sims Grom.  As a teenager, Kelley’s family moved from Ottawa to Bracebridge Ontario, where she attended Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School.  She graduated with an undergraduate degree from Carlton University in Ottawa, and Kelley finished her Bachelor of Education at the University of Toronto.  Kelley began her teaching career at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic school in Toronto, and was teaching grade five at St. John Paul II Catholic school in Barrie when she became ill.  Kelley has touched a great number of students, parents, and colleagues throughout her career and she will be missed greatly by the entire school community.  Kelley will be lovingly remembered by her cousins, in-laws, nephews and nieces, and many long-time friends.

A celebration of Kelley’s life will be held on October 16, 2021 at Liberty North in Barrie Ontario from 1pm. until 4pm.  There are only 150 visitors permitted in the space at one time.  Masks and proof of vaccination are required to enter the venue.  On behalf of Kelley Nelson, it is the wishes of the family that donations be made to St. John Paul II Catholic School, either in the form of cash or a cheque made out to the Catholic Education Trust Fund of Simcoe County/Muskoka.  Please note that charitable tax receipts may be issued for cheque donations only.  Donations will be accepted at Kelley’s Celebration of Life on October 16th at Liberty North or may be forwarded to St/ John Paul II Catholic School.  Donations will be used towards the building of an outdoor classroom and/or play structure as a memorial learning/play space to honour her memory.  Online memories and condolences may be made at www.peacefultransition.ca

Peaceful Transition Simcoe

CONDOLENCES

34 Condolences
  • Nicole Mortelliti
    Posted on: Wednesday, October 6, 2021 Reply

    Kelley taught all three of my children and was not only an amazing teacher but an all around wonderful person.
    I had the pleasure of getting to know her over the years through working and volunteering at SJPII. Kelley put a smile on everyone’s face with her humour and quick wit, we always had a good laugh.
    She will be dearly missed by many.
    My sincerest condolences go out to her family. 💕💕

  • Noelle Baker Blum
    Posted on: Wednesday, October 6, 2021 Reply

    My condolences to all. Ryan and Kaitlyn, the loss of a parent is never easy, I’m so sorry this is something you’re having to endure so young.
    My prayers are with you.

  • Manon Heran
    Posted on: Wednesday, October 6, 2021 Reply

    Kelley was always smiling and she touched the lives’ of so many. Her enthusiasm and energy will be greatly missed. Prayers, strength, and blessings to the family.

  • Cindy Janssen
    Posted on: Wednesday, October 6, 2021 Reply

    My heartfelt condolences are extended to Kelly’s family and her friends at the St. John Paul’s School community. Kelly’s beautiful spirit will truly be missed. ❤

  • Debbie Wiggins-Colwell
    Posted on: Wednesday, October 6, 2021 Reply

    Our deepest condolences, Lisa and family. From Debbie and Gary Colwell.

  • Kathy Purcell
    Posted on: Wednesday, October 6, 2021 Reply

    Thinking of you all. Kelley Nelson you will be missed by all that new you.
    Sending you all strength and love .
    Kathy and Vince from TFW 💪 your fellow warrior

  • Tim & Martha Francis
    Posted on: Wednesday, October 6, 2021 Reply

    Condolences Steve to you Ryan, Kaitlyn and the entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this extremely difficult time. RIP Kelley.

  • Vici Boldin
    Posted on: Wednesday, October 6, 2021 Reply

    So sorry to hear this tragic news. Kelley Nelson was a wonderful teacher and a very patient and giving human. The Boldin family sends you our condolences and just know you are in our prayers . She sure adored her family and was wonderful to our boys at Pope John Paul.

    Best regards

    Vici Boldin

  • Suzanne Cuerrier
    Posted on: Wednesday, October 6, 2021 Reply

    Steve, Kaitlyn and Ryan, my condolences to you on the loss of a wonderful wife and mother. While I didn’t see my cousin Kelley very often over the years, I enjoyed any time I spent with her. No matter the occasion, we laughed the whole time and really connected. I still cannot believe she is gone; I will miss her very much.

  • Martina Butterworth
    Posted on: Wednesday, October 6, 2021 Reply

    You were always larger than life at St. John Paul II. I will never forget the sound of your infectious laugh and your commanding and caring voice.

  • Kevin & Tammy Searls
    Posted on: Wednesday, October 6, 2021 Reply

    So many amazing memories. Lots of laughter. You were a wonderful soul. Our hearts break that you have left so soon.

    Love always

  • Gord & Theresa Malin
    Posted on: Wednesday, October 6, 2021 Reply

    Very sorry to hear about Kelley’s passing.

    Our thoughts are with Steve and the family.

  • Debbie Booth
    Posted on: Thursday, October 7, 2021 Reply

    My deepest condolences to Stephen, Ryan and Kaitlyn for the loss of a beautiful wife and mother. Kelley touched the lives of so many. Kelley was my son’s SK and grade 5 teacher. Such a blessing to the school system…. an incredible teacher and mentor. Kelley will be dearly missed. God Bless you all.
    Debbie, Aaron and Nathan Booth

  • Craig and Susan Howell
    Posted on: Thursday, October 7, 2021 Reply

    The memories we have with Steve, Kelley, Ryan and Kaitlyn are among the most cherished we have as a family. From summer vacations, Christmas Eve/ New Year’s Eve and birthday celebrations, or just getting together to hang out were always full of fun and laughter especially when Kelley would get a little too competitive on 80’s trivia…lol. The fact that our daughter Abby refers to Kelley as her “Fairy God Mother” is a testament to Kelley’s character and personality. Missing you everyday Kelley! Love Craig, Sue, Abby and Jason.

  • Victoria Da Silva
    Posted on: Thursday, October 7, 2021 Reply

    Sending my thoughts and prayers to the family. I was fortunate enough to be taught by Mrs. Nelson🤍She was a wonderful teacher who really loved her students. I was so glad I was able to be in her grade 6 class as well as return to her in high school to achieve my community service hours. Mrs. Nelson, I can never thank you enough for the valuable life lessons you have taught me, the laughs we have shared, and the wealth of knowledge you have given me. You have made an impact on every student that had the privilege to be in your class! I pray you rest in peace.
    Love , Victoria Da Silva

  • Barb Drummond
    Posted on: Thursday, October 7, 2021 Reply

    So sorry to hear of Lisa’s passing. Even since high school, I still remember her laugh, her smile and her genuine kindness ..I am sure she made one heck of a teacher!

    Comforting hugs to all!

  • Megan Culyer
    Posted on: Friday, October 8, 2021 Reply

    My deepest condolences for this loss. I was fortunate enough to have her as my 6th grade teacher a time where I wasn’t my best self. Mrs. Nelson helped me through it with love & support, not once ounce of judgement. I was also lucky enough to know her as an amazing Mother and wife. She touched so so many lives & will be dearly missed.

  • Kevin Short & Mary Elizabeth Lecours
    Posted on: Friday, October 8, 2021 Reply

    We consider ourselves so lucky to have had Mrs. Nelson teach our 3 at what was then Pope John Paul. Connor, Jared & Alana loved being in her class and were greatly impacted by her positivity and enthusiasm, whether it be in the classroom, in the hallways or even on the streets of Barrie if they bumped into her after PJP days. Mrs. Nelson always knew their names and greeted them with a friendly smile and a kind word. What a tremendous lady! Condolences Steve to you, Ryan, Kaitlyn and the entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this extremely difficult time.

  • Emily and Rob Gathercole
    Posted on: Saturday, October 9, 2021 Reply

    We feel so lucky to have reconnected with Kelley and Steve after the Run For The Cure back in 2019. Such an amazing cause that brought us together and then to have them and Kaitlyn join the Training For Warriors family! Kelley was such a bright light with a huge smile and always had an eager ear for everyone. She fought a tough fight but now is at peace. Team Nelson, please always remember the incredible times you had together and never forget all the support around you. We will definitely miss Kelley but will keep her close in our hearts! xxoo

  • Nancy Finch
    Posted on: Saturday, October 9, 2021 Reply

    What a Lady!
    What a smile!
    What a laugh!
    What a comfort she was for many!
    You will be missed my friend!
    God has another angel tonight.

  • Steve, Sandra, Tyler and Eric Chalmers
    Posted on: Sunday, October 10, 2021 Reply

    Our deepest condolences of such a wonderful cousin and sending our strength, thoughts and prayers to Steve, Ryan, Kaitlyn and cousin Lisa.

    We have such great memories growing up with Kelley’s laugh, introducing her teaching structure to our fun times and loving support to our family. Kelley truly lived life with so much courage, strength and warmth.

    We will always carry you in our memories. You will be dearly missed by all.

  • Elaine Chalmers
    Posted on: Sunday, October 10, 2021 Reply

    My deepest condolence to Stephen, Ryan, Kathlyn and also to Lisa. I have many beautiful memories which I will cherish for a long time. All the times we spent together as a family during the holidays will never be forgotten. Kelley rest in peace.

    Love Auntie Elaine

  • Jakob Takacs
    Posted on: Sunday, October 10, 2021 Reply

    I went to Saint John Paul for 10 years and I knew Mrs. Nelson very well. I can’t believe that she is no longer here. I am shocked by this tragic news. You will be missed – From Jakob

  • Newton Family
    Posted on: Tuesday, October 12, 2021 Reply

    Kelley was a fantastic volleyball coach, so our daughter was beyond thrilled when she found out that she would be in Mrs. Nelson’s class. It was amazing to see how you kept all the kids engaged even via online lessons. We were very blessed to have a treasure of a teacher in our lives, and we are sure that those you have taught feel the same. May you live on in everyone’s memories, and we are sure that you will be guardian angel for many. We wish the Nelson family peace, know that you are all in our prayers.

  • Mike Veiga
    Posted on: Tuesday, October 12, 2021 Reply

    My condolences to the Nelson family. Sending all the love and strength. May she Rest In Peace.

  • Haley Cruse
    Posted on: Friday, October 15, 2021 Reply

    Kelley was my friend and colleague for over 25 years. She was an exceptional teacher, and also taught my daughter in Grade 4. Our families spent many winter days together skiing at Horseshoe Heights. Kelley was one of the funnest people to be around – always had me laughing. I will miss her very much. Sending big hugs to Steve, Ryan and Kaitlyn. xoxo

  • The Bishop Family
    Posted on: Friday, October 15, 2021 Reply

    We still have no words to express our sorrow and sympathies for this loss.
    The Bishop and Nelson families have been intertwined for decades. Our children call Kelley aunt, we call Kelley our sister, our friend.
    So many, truly endless stories of fun and friendship, love and laughter to list. Any, and all times together were sure to end with a stomach hurting from laughing together.
    Grateful to have known her and been part of her world as she was in ours.
    Rest in Peace dear friend

  • Barbara & Garry Johnston
    Posted on: Friday, October 15, 2021 Reply

    So shocked to get the news of Kelly’s passing just today. Kelly and sister Lisa babysat our son and taught him many good things. He has three daughters whom he tells about his playtimes with cabbage patch kids with both of you. Kelly always smiled and laughed and made everyone she every came in contact with feel special. Lisa we know you will be at a great loss losing your sister and Steve, Kaitlyn and Ryan also. Keep your memories ever present and during these very sad days and going forward they will help to ease your pain. Please know that you are all in our prayers.

  • Randy, Lisa, Dana and Ross Egan
    Posted on: Friday, October 15, 2021 Reply

    Steve, Ryan and Kaitlyn, this is still hard to process. Our families have made some amazing memories over the years. We will miss her, but she always will remain in our hearts and thought.

  • Nicholas Van Erp
    Posted on: Saturday, October 16, 2021 Reply

    So sad to hear of Kelley’s passing. She will be missed by all. Many memories in our younger years when we lived in Toronto and used to go to the Bistro Tuesday night for wings and many good times.
    Our hearts go out to Steve, Kaitlyn and Ryan.

    Nick Van Erp

  • Don and Karen Garrod
    Posted on: Saturday, October 16, 2021 Reply

    Steve

    Our deepest condolences to you and your family for the loss of Kelly. She will truly be missed.
    Much Love…

    Don and Karen

  • Sally Mills & Graydon Bell
    Posted on: Saturday, October 16, 2021 Reply

    Our sincere condolences to the Nelson family, from the Muskoka Lawn Bowling Club, Bracebridge.
    Sally Mills & Graydon Bell

  • Cerry Hansen
    Posted on: Saturday, October 16, 2021 Reply

    Steve, sending our condolences to you, your kids and family. We have fond memories of curling with you both at the annual Lindegaard bonspiel. Kelley was easy going, fun to be around and brightened up a room. May she rest in peace.

    Joe Givens & Cerry Hansen

  • Kelly & Grant Rutherford
    Posted on: Monday, October 18, 2021 Reply

    Steve, we were very saddened to hear of Kelley’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you, Ryan and Kaitlyn. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

    Kelly & Grant

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