Sara Jane Nelson

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Sara “Jane” Nelson (née Wilson) on May 4, 2025, at the age of 86. Jane was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose intelligence, warmth, and wit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Born in Brandon, Manitoba on August 29,1938, Jane was the daughter of Henry Robert Wilson (Harry) and Isla May Wilson (née McLachlan), both originally from Boissevain, Manitoba. Jane lived in both Melita and Boissevain, where she attended school. From an early age, Jane had a curious mind and a love of learning. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Brandon College, where she studied English, history, and literature—interests she carried with her throughout her life.

Jane built lifelong friendships—many lasting more than 50 years—and was known as a kind, loyal friend, deeply loved by those who knew her.

In 1960, she married Robert “Bob” Carlyle Nelson, and together they raised three children—Mary Jane Nelson, Elizabeth “Anne” Nelson (Simone), and James “Jim” Robert Nelson—while living in communities across Alberta and British Columbia. Jane worked as a social worker until her children were born, after which she devoted herself fully to her family.

She was known for her sharp intellect, passion for reading, and love of history, politics, world news, and the arts. She had a quick wit and a remarkable ability to speak insightfully on nearly any subject.

Above all, Jane loved being with her family. She cherished time with her grandchildren and felt deeply fortunate to become a great-grandmother as well. Her legacy lives on in the love she gave, the conversations she sparked, and the memories held by those closest to her.

Jane is survived by her children Mary (Ron Ginter), Anne (Curtis Johnson), and Jim (Germaine Lee Nelson); her seven grandchildren Ila Uhrig, Brett Uhrig (Jessilyn Richardson), Alissa Blotsky (née Simone) (Phil Blotsky), Brandon Uhrig (Rikki St. Claire), Anthony Simone (Brooklyn Muri), Logan Lee Nelson, and Kaden Lee Nelson; seven great-grandchildren Colton Uhrig, Cooper Uhrig, Henry Blotsky, Eli Simone, Camille Uhrig, Willa Simone and Jack Blotsky; and her niece and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Bob; her parents, Harry and Isla Wilson; and her sister, Margaret George Hahle (née Wilson).

A celebration of Jane’s life will be held on Sunday, July 13, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the Sundance Lake Club in Calgary. In lieu of flowers, and in tribute to Jane’s lifelong love of reading, donations may be made in her memory to My First Bookshelf, a Calgary Public Library Foundation program that gives children access to books and fosters a lifelong love of reading: libraryfoundation.ca

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