Obituary for Nellie Castelli
Nellie Jurisa Castelli (nee Zelkovich)
It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Nellie Jurisa Castelli (nee Zelkovich). Nellie passed away at home on February 23, 2022 with her family by her side following a long and brave struggle with multiple illnesses; and with her favourite cat on her bed.
Nellie was born on March 22, 1931 at home in Westfort on Crawford Ave. As a young woman, Nellie worked at the Venice Grill, McKellar Hospital and the former Sanatorium (now Grandview).
Nellie loved gardening, baking, and making pedaheh, holubtsi, khrustyky, borscht and varenyky. She loved her home and garden - keeping a meticulous flower garden and yard.
In 1958 Nellie married Anton Jurisa. Anton (Tito) was tragically killed during a workplace accident in Hudson, Ont. in 1962, leaving behind Nellie and their two year old daughter Susan. Years later, Nellie married Elio Castelli. Their time together was also short and Elio predeceased her in 1981.
Nellie is survived by her daughter Susan Keatley (Don) and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her mother and father, Mary and Theodore Zelkovich; brothers Bill, John, Mike, Tony and sisters Olive and Ann.
In 2009 Nellie’s daughter and son-in-law began their pet rescue. Sue and Don rescued strays and homeless ferals from the streets of Thunder Bay. Nellie was a crucial part of the rescue… loving and nurturing every homeless animal that found safety in their home. Nellie loved every rescue - wanted to keep them all - and struggled with every lost life rescued too late. Many stray and homeless cats and kittens found a warm, loving and safe spot on Nellie’s lap and in her arms.
A private family funeral service is planned. In loving memory of Nellie’s compassionate heart, please give your pets an extra kiss and hug tonight from Heaven.
“Mom… thank you for being such a wonderful human being with a heart as big as the stars. You were my best friend and we will feel your heart and soul every day and in every animal we save.”
Love forever, Susan
It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Nellie Jurisa Castelli (nee Zelkovich). Nellie passed away at home on February 23, 2022 with her family by her side following a long and brave struggle with multiple illnesses; and with her favourite cat on her bed.
Nellie was born on March 22, 1931 at home in Westfort on Crawford Ave. As a young woman, Nellie worked at the Venice Grill, McKellar Hospital and the former Sanatorium (now Grandview).
Nellie loved gardening, baking, and making pedaheh, holubtsi, khrustyky, borscht and varenyky. She loved her home and garden - keeping a meticulous flower garden and yard.
In 1958 Nellie married Anton Jurisa. Anton (Tito) was tragically killed during a workplace accident in Hudson, Ont. in 1962, leaving behind Nellie and their two year old daughter Susan. Years later, Nellie married Elio Castelli. Their time together was also short and Elio predeceased her in 1981.
Nellie is survived by her daughter Susan Keatley (Don) and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her mother and father, Mary and Theodore Zelkovich; brothers Bill, John, Mike, Tony and sisters Olive and Ann.
In 2009 Nellie’s daughter and son-in-law began their pet rescue. Sue and Don rescued strays and homeless ferals from the streets of Thunder Bay. Nellie was a crucial part of the rescue… loving and nurturing every homeless animal that found safety in their home. Nellie loved every rescue - wanted to keep them all - and struggled with every lost life rescued too late. Many stray and homeless cats and kittens found a warm, loving and safe spot on Nellie’s lap and in her arms.
A private family funeral service is planned. In loving memory of Nellie’s compassionate heart, please give your pets an extra kiss and hug tonight from Heaven.
“Mom… thank you for being such a wonderful human being with a heart as big as the stars. You were my best friend and we will feel your heart and soul every day and in every animal we save.”
Love forever, Susan