Nelly Roelofsen

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Nelly (Neeltje) Roelofsen (née van der Mey), who passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, after a lengthy illness in Brampton, Ontario, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the age of 88. 

She will be dearly missed by her children Jeanette (Charles), Patricia (Jim), and Theresa (Tom), and by her beloved grandchildren Adriana, Cassandra, Fiona, and Kieran. Nelly will also be fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family— including cousins and her sister-in-law— both in Canada and the Netherlands. She was predeceased by her husband John (Jannes) Roelofsen, her parents Petronella Adriana (née Schaap) and Albertus Jacobus van der Mey, and her brother Hendrik (Margaret "Gre"). 

Born in the Netherlands on February 13, 1937, Nelly immigrated to Canada in 1951. As a new immigrant, she briefly lived in the historic Thomson "Springfield" Farmhouse on St. Andrews Road in Scarborough, before her family moved to Midland Avenue where they set up their greenhouse business. She met her future husband John while helping in her father’s greenhouses. Nelly later worked as a teller at the Agincourt Scotiabank branch before marrying and raising her family. 

After John’s retirement, Nelly loved traveling and spending long summers at the family cottage, and cherished time with her children and grandchildren. She’ll always be remembered for her big smile, her open heart, and the way she made everyone feel welcome. Nelly found joy in simple things — watching birds at the feeder, tending to her beautiful garden, feeding the chipmunks, and filling her home with warmth and kindness for anyone who walked through the door. 

In remembering Nelly, may we celebrate a life well-lived and a beautiful heart that gave so much. 

Her Celebration of Life will take place at Ward Funeral Home, 52 Main Street South, Brampton on Saturday, January 24th, 2026. Visitation: 11am-12pm, Service 12-1pm, and Reception 1-3pm. Information for the streaming of the service will follow. 

The family requests either flowers or a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

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