Carolyn Nelson

NELSON, Carolyn Lee (nee Speedie), passed away peacefully in the care of Andy’s House in Port Carling in her 85th year, April 28, 2026, surrounded by her family. Her passing is mourned by Howard Nelson, her beloved husband of 66 years and her cherished children, Joseph Nelson, Stephen Nelson (predeceased by Kelley), (Jill) and Sherry Lee Major (Mark) . Carolyn was a loving grandmother to Alex Nelson , Nicole Nelson (Darren), Ryan Nelson, Kaitlyn Nelson and Jacob Major and proud great grandmother of Seth and Alexander.

Carolyn, born on May 27th, 1941 in Bracebridge Ontario, was the 4th daughter of five girls born to the late Dalton and Wilma Speedie.

She is survived by her youngest sister Lynda Coad (predeceased by Paul),(Sheldon) and predeceased by her sisters, Geraldine Hitchcock ( Paul), Betty Bowes (Al) and Sherry McVittie (Don) as well as in laws Evelyn (Doug), and Violet. Carolyn will be lovingly remembered and missed by her many nieces and nephews.

Growing up in Muskoka and living at the Tretheway Falls Hydro Station that her father managed, Carolyn developed a deep love for the outdoors and physical activity which she carried with her until her final days. At an early age she was an avid walker, walking with her sisters to school from their family home.

Carolyn met Howard on a blind date and they were married on June 11, 1960 in Bracebridge, making their family home for 60 years in Muskoka Falls.

Carolyn was a loving and supportive wife to her husband and caring mother to her three children. Over the years she worked out side of the home in various local stores in Bracebridge, as a swimming instructor, for the Red Cross and as a private PSW. She was thoroughly committed to her family, friends and community. There were very few, if any, sporting, or social, events of her children or Howard, that she missed.

Carolyn lived her life with a strong commitment to her faith, and was an active member at St Josephs Catholic Church where she was always lending a helping hand to anyone in need.

During their 66 years of marriage Carolyn and Howard were seldom apart, sharing a love for the outdoors, they travelled across Canada from coast to coast and enjoyed camping, canoeing, fishing and sightseeing together. They also loved spending time with family, and friends, both old and new. Carolyn was an excellent, avid curler for many years. She and Howard hosted and gave lessons to new curlers throughout her curling career. In recent years, Carolyn and Howard shared a passion for Lawn Bowing, where Carolyn was an active member until very recently.

If you knew Carolyn, you know that she was always on the go. Residents of Muskoka Falls would greet her on her daily 8-10 km walks – summer, winter, rain or shine, and members of the community pool would witness the hundreds of pool laps she could do with ease. She also had a passion for games and cards, playing Euchre with Howard and friends on a regular basis, or hosting fun family game events. Carolyn was also a wonderful cook and baker and extremely talented seamstress and knitter, making hundreds of quilts, clothes and other items for donation and gifts to her family and friends.

While her contributions to her friends and community were important to her, the greatest love and deepest affection was for her family. Her family will be forever grateful for the love and life lessons learned from this beautiful woman.

Carolyn’s family would like to thank the dedicated members of the health community including the nursing and support staff at South Muskoka Hospital as well as the wonderful team at Andy’s House for their outstanding support and compassionate care during Carolyn’s brief battle with cancer.

A mass will be held on May 6, 2026 at St Josephs Catholic Church in Bracebridge at 2pm

A celebration of life will be held at South Muskoka Golf and Curling Club on July 4, 2026 from 2-4pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Andy’s House Hospice Muskoka would be greatly appreciated.