Heather June Kelly (nee Fraser)

June 6, 1946 – October 14, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Heather Kelly at the Chapman House in Owen Sound surrounded by her husband Bob and their 4 children David, Thomas, Megan and Bronwen. There in spirit were their beloved spouses Kim, Vic, Sonny and Eddie. 

Born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario she graduated as an Ontario Scholar and moved to Toronto where she completed her training as a Registered Nurse. It was there that she met her future husband Bob, who had recently immigrated from England and was undertaking post graduate research in the engineering school at the University of Toronto. They would be together for 56 years!

Somehow while raising 4 active and smart children; working as an ER nurse; being involved in a book club that survives to this day; and having a role in the parent teacher associations she found time to study for and complete a Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Toronto graduating on the Deans Honour List. 

Incredibly she also found time to obtain her registration as a qualified yoga instructor – long before it became mainstream – which led to the emergence of yet another community of people who would relish her intuitive blend of practical knowledge and empathy for all the people she met.

And then come the 11 grandchildren (Caden, Max, Ayva, Autumn, Kate, Liam, Nick, Cole, Julian, Lyla and Luke). She was so proud of all her children and grandchildren and derived great pleasure from all their adventures and achievements. She was the moral compass and heartbeat for the whole family. The entire family literally came together on Vancouver Island in July of 2023 at Tom and Vic’s spectacular beach house in Qualicomb – a gathering she later described as the best experience she ever had.

Her lifelong love of animals led to many interesting pets over the years and her ‘happy place’ was the 200 acre farm in Grey County where everyone could enjoy the large flock of sheep she raised; the chickens; the barn cats; Gertie the old lab not to mention the ATV’s; the world’s largest trampoline; swimming in the pond – a veritable paradise for children. 

At the end of the day she was the one people went to with their troubles and challenges in life for the thoughts and perspective she brought to everything she did.

A celebration of life will be planned in the coming weeks and we plan to host gatherings in both Grey County and Mississauga.

Cremation has taken place and in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Chapman House in Owen Sound (cheques payable to Grey Bruce Hospice Inc.). Arrangements entrusted to the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham.