Belva McKellar

Belva Jean McKellar, 83, passed away in the early evening of Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at the McGraw Center for Caring, Mayo Clinic Campus surrounded by family and dear friends. She was born March 12, 1934 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada where she was raised. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Secretarial Science from the University of Western Ontario (London) in 1955 and then married her high school sweetheart, Kenneth Malcolm McKellar three months later. They were married for 53 years and were able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary back in Hamilton.

After moving their young family to Jacksonville in 1969, Belva volunteered in her daughters’ schools and enjoyed watching them participate in their many activities.  She loved watching them grow, teaching and guiding them to become young, independent women. More than anything, Belva showed them by example what it is to be a compassionate, loyal, altruistic and caring human being.

Belva was an extremely dedicated caregiver to her husband who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1978.  After 13 years in Miami in response to Ken’s declining health, they returned to Jacksonville, and were proud to become American citizens together! They joined Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Beach. Belva enjoyed attending bible studies at church and her neighborhood book club. Belva was also involved in the Jacksonville Golf and Country Club Women’s Network and volunteered at Baptist Beaches Hospital. Each year she looked forward to football season where she passionately cheered on the Florida State Seminoles! She also loved to throw Turkey Fry parties and play bridge. Diagnosed with cancer herself shortly before the passing of her husband, Belva continued to enjoy time with family. She felt fortunate to fulfill a long-delayed dream of traveling to Italy for her 80th birthday.

Belva was a remarkable wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her loving daughters Tracey Berrocal and Stephanie Gold (Joshua) and granddaughters Emma and Bridgette. She was predeceased by her husband Ken

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at Christ Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jacksonville Humane Society, 8464 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32216.