It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our amazing sister, Keli. She passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 with her family by her side. She displayed continual grace and bravery under pressure with her decade long battle with cancer. Born in Cornwall, Ontario, Keli was nicknamed “Dolly” by her parents. Her life was full of adventure with travels around the world while in the Military, as well as on her Ryker in her final years. She would tell tales with great pride and detail so when you closed your eyes you could envision her stories. Keli had a stunning smile and a contagious laugh and was always there to lift you up if you were feeling down. She had a kind and giving spirit, and you rarely left her house without some sort of gift or offering.
Keli grew up in the middle of a large family and had a great ability to unite the older stories of the family with the lives of the younger members. Her role of family matriarch was a role she never asked for but wholeheartedly embraced. Many kitchen “shenanigans” took place with her sister Penny at her side at family gatherings, recreating the recipes from the French maternal side in Quebec and those learned from all over the world.
Her dad’s work in paper mill operations took the family all over the globe. Some of Keli’s fondest memories are the ones near Miramichi, NB. She told of being the first out of bed to get to wear the only pair of family skates, wearing them all day, even sledding! She didn’t want to miss the remote change of a frozen pond in the siblings’ forest treks. Blueberry and blackberry picking and eating seafood were some of her best memories of the East Coast.
While living in Sault Ste. Marie, she joined the Military at the age of 17, serving our Country for 22 years as a fabulous cook, and “hostess with the mostest” reaching the rank of Corporal. She was posted from coast to coast to coast over her 22 years of service and always felt at home wherever she was stationed.
Her basic training was in 1980 at CFB Cornwallis in Nova Scotia and even though she wore a soldiers uniform she was honoured to serve a better part of her career with the Navy aboard many ships (HMCS Algonquin, HMCS Huron and HMCS Ottawa), however she gained her sea legs initially on the HMCS Cormorant as one of the first females aboard the first ship in the Canadian Forces to have women assigned to the crew. Aboard ship she ventured south along the East Coast to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas Virgin Islands, St. Croix, with her favourite spot being the British Virgin Islands.
Her travels took her all over North America, with some of her land postings in the Canadian Arctic (Alert), the Yukon Territory and Nunavut, Val Cartier, QC, Cornwallis, NS, Yarmouth, NS and Borden, ON.
Keli had many talents that she shared with family and friends. She loved to garden, make preserves, cook, sew, decorate and cross stitch. Keli was a regular “Bob the Builder” according to Penny. One of their latest jobs together was ripping apart and building a deck. Her love for her animals knew no bounds. While she had many cats and dogs throughout the years, none were more spoiled than Charly, her beloved black cat.
Keli faced many health trials in the late 20 years of life including an injury sustained in the military that finished her time there. Despite having survived a leg amputation, and a previous difficult bout of cancer, she was encouraged by her family to get her motorbike licence and her own ride. She spent some of her best hours on her Ryker with Penny, Ric and Mitch on the highways in the area.
Penny and Keli formed an even greater connection these last few years as Penny helped with extra care. Many inside jokes and uncensored moments were shared. She typically greeted Ric with the simple greeting; Brother. Younger sister Robin looked up to Keli for her bravery and kindness. She and Mitch shared that special bond among veterans: knowing what it means to serve. She had treats always ready for Mitch’s pups; Molly and Ruger. Mitch was forever her baby brother.
Keli is predeceased by her parents Leroy and Antoinette and siblings Louise, Sharon, Lee and Kim. She is survived by her siblings Robin, Penny (Ric Datson) and Mitch. Her brother Lee’s children (her “Loves”): Rikki, Nathan (Carly), Steven (Chloe) and Ellie (Cory) will miss their aunt dearly. Keli’s walls were covered in artwork from Sebastian, Ellie’s son. Her niece Shannon (son Luke), and nephew Parrish, came into her life in the last few years and blessed Keli with the kindness, love and compassion she deserved.
A special note of gratitude to Dr. Febbraro and the Oncology department at the Sault Area Hospital. Thank you to the staff on 3C, notably Ashley Couturier – thank you for being the angel you are. In Keli’s final days, the laughter, guidance and assistance from close family friend, Louise Fournier, was invaluable and treasured. The family would also like to thank Keli’s wonderful neighbours and friends, especially Jeannie who loved and cared deeply for her.
At Keli’s request, a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations to the Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society or the Sault Ste. Marie Museum would be greatly appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758). www.northwoodfuneral.com