Kelly Jean Belford

With profound sadness the family of Kelly Jean Belford announce her peaceful passing on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 after her fearless journey over the last two and a half years. Kelly at the age of 53, was the beloved wife and soul mate of John of St. Catharines. Proud and devoted mother of Anna of Montreal. Cherished daughter of Barb and Richard Malton of St. Catharines. Much loved sister of Jason and his wife Martine and loving aunt of Claire, all of Welland. Kelly loved all her family and she was beloved by her grandparents and dozens of uncles, aunts, cousins, brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews, and a great niece, stretching from British Columbia to Nova Scotia and throughout Ontario. Kelly also shared a special place in the heart of her mother-in-law, Mary.

Kelly met her future husband, John while working at the IGA at Linwell Plaza. Following graduation from Brock University Concurrent BA B Ed, Kelly spent 30 years as a teacher, with first the Niagara South Board of Education and then with the District School Board of Niagara since its inception. As a Learning Resource Teacher, Kelly specialized in assisting and supporting a student’s success with one-on-one support. Kelly’s career took her to the Child Development Centre, Maplewood, Jacob Beam, as a roving LRT in support of several schools, Power Glen and finally E.I McCulley. Kelly was regularly praised by her leadership team, fellow teachers, parents and students themselves for her diligent, kind, compassionate and caring support she provided her students while always mixing in a sense of fun and humour.

Kelly was a long-time member, along with husband John and daughter Anna, of St. George’s Anglican Church in St. Catharines. Kelly and John were married at St. George's on New Year’s Eve, 1994. The same Parish where both her parents and grandparents; Jean and Henry Hall also said their wedding vows. Kelly’s dedicated service to the Church, which included, but was not limited to, role as Warden, Joyful Giving Co-Chair, Leader of the 225th Anniversary celebrations in 2017, Trivia Night chair, and Community Dinner volunteer, culminated in Kelly being awarded in 2023, the prestigious Order of Niagara Medal from the Anglican Diocese of Niagara. Kelly’s commitment to giving also included her volunteer roles with DSBN Special Olympics Committee, Humane Society of Greater Niagara, and as a long time donour with Canadian Blood Services.

During the two and a half years since her diagnosis, Kelly lived by the mantra: “Trust the science and believe in the power of Prayer”. And thanks to this abundant positivity, and the great treatment she received, Kelly continued to enjoy an excellent quality of life, and created many great moments and memories for her and those lucky enough to be close to her. Kelly will be dearly and forever missed by all those that had their lives touched and brightened by her love, smile, sense of humour, hospitality, friendship, service and mentorship.

Kelly loved to entertain, and cook absolutely fantastic fare for family and friends whether in her own home or one of her favourite vacation spots, the cottage on Lake Cecebe. Her meals were truly special. Kelly also loved her Book Club get-togethers and rowdy nights with her “Blitz Ladies” and all the special times spent with Kelly and John’s dear daughter Anna, truly the couple’s pride and joy.

Kelly’s family wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to Walker Family Cancer Clinic staff and especially Dr. Lee and Nurse Nicole, the 3rd Floor Oncology team at the NHS, St. Catharines site and especially Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner Lyndsey, the caring, skilled and devoted staff at Juravinski, Hamilton General, Hamilton St. Joseph’s, Princess Margaret, Mount Sinai, Toronto General, and NHS Niagara Falls hospitals, the incredibly compassionate and skilled team at Hospice Niagara, Reverend Cannon Martha Tatarnic and the congregation of St. George’s Anglican Church, E.I. McCulley Public School staff, all Kelly’s friends, relatives and colleagues that provided so much extra love and support during the past two and a half years. The impact you made on Kelly and her family was immeasurable and will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held at Hulse and English Funeral Home and Chapel, 75 Church Street, St. Catharines, on Monday, June 12, 2023, from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at St. George’s Anglican Church, 83 Church Street, St. Catharines, on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life for family and friends will take place on Saturday June 24, 2023.

For those who wish, memorial donations to St. George’s Anglican Church, Walker Family Cancer Centre, Humane Society of Greater Niagara, or Hospice Niagara would be appreciated.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HulseandEnglish.com.