October 10, 1967 - August 17, 2021

“I Hope You Dance”

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our Warrior Queen, Kelley Ann Van den hoven, age 53, at her home and beautiful sanctuary in Bowmanville, surrounded by her loving family.

Kelley was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and after enduring several surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, Kelley then began the journey of rebuilding her strength and returning to the things she loved like biking, walking, running and being outdoors. In February of 2019, Kelley received the devastating news that her cancer had metastasized to her liver, which meant more chemotherapy once again.

In January 2020, the cancer metastasized to her brain. Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre became the ray of hope as Kelley was offered the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial for the exact cancer Kelley was battling HER2+ cancer.

A testament to the selflessness of Kelley, she willingly received the trial therapy, in the hope that the data collected through these trials would help to shape future treatments for women around the world.

As Kelley was courageously fighting her brain tumours sadly her liver tumours roared their ugly heads again in December of 2020. More chemo, more fighting, more side effects only to receive the devastating news that the cancer had spread once again.

In July of 2021 the cancer metastasized to her lungs.

This time her ability to fight was more than her precious body and mind could endure.

The cancer had taken the strong, fit and fearless woman we knew and wore her down bit by bit over 6 years. Her final fight now was to live to celebrate her 30th Wedding Anniversary with her beloved “Rock” Neil.

It was through the power of their love that Neil was able to profess his love and undying affection at her bedside, “Happy Anniversary Kelley, We made it. These were the best 30 years of my life.

I love you so much. It’s okay for you to go.” Over the 6 years that Kelley bravely battled her cancer, there came about one miraculous ray of sunshine.

Through a team posting of our families annual participation in the CIBC Run for the Cure, Kelley and her biological daughter were able to reunite. For the last 5 years Maryann and her daughter Hailey have become an amazing part of our family.

We are blessed beyond words to have found each other and to have them in our lives.

Left to mourn the loss are; husband Neil Van den hoven, her daughter Maryann Ramsay (partner Adam King), her granddaughter Hailey, parent’s Ronald and Viola Fowler, siblings Kevin (Andrea) Fowler, Renee (David) Owen and Michelle (Mike) Rodriguez, mother-in-law Anna Van den hoven, brothers-in-law John (Marissa) Van den hoven, Leon Van den hoven (partner Judy Carter), sisters-in-law Jacqueline Van den hoven and Cathy Van den hoven.

Kelley was preceded in death by her father-in-law Leonardus “Leo” Van den hoven.

Remembered forever with love as the greatest fashionista aunt by her nieces and nephews Jason, Rachael, Trevor, Lindsey, Bella, Matthew, Kurtis, Kristen, Daniel, Spencer and her great-niece April-Jane.

Kelley was born in Oshawa, on October 10, 1967.

At the age of 6, the family moved to Blackstock. She enjoyed camping trips with her family to the East Coast visiting relatives and years of camping at Shady Acres in Keene. Days at the trailer were spent with friends and cousins swimming, water skiing, boating, fish fries and corn roasts. These were all very special times for her as family was extremely important to Kelley.

At the age of 14, the family moved back to Oshawa, where she attended O’Neill Collegiate.

After high school she decided to enrol in the Durham College Nursing program. It was not surprising when she graduated with honours. A reflection of her hard work and determination to be the best that she could be in all that she did.

Kelley began working at Lakeridge Health Bowmanville immediately after graduation.

She continued to work in the Continuing Care Unit her entire career of 29 years. During these incredible working years she developed a second family, her Soul Sisters. Kelley treasured her Soul Sisters. This unique and incredible bond between these nurses is indescribable. Words cannot express the love, support, and outpouring of courage the Soul Sisters endlessly provided.

Kelly Schmidt on behalf of the Soul Sisters wrote the following excerpt:

“Nursing isn’t for everyone. It takes a very strong, intelligent and compassionate person. One who can also find laughter amongst the sadness, chaos and unknown of the nursing world. Kelley was an exceptional nurse who embraced it all.

The one that brought pure joy, strength and encouragement to many throughout her career.

The nurse we all sought advice from about renovating, food, fashion and life. Kelley could rock a pair of scrubs like she was on the red carpet.

She was more than a nurse; she was our soul sister, the girl with adventurous eyes, a vintage heart and a beautiful mind. She was one of the rare ones, so effortlessly herself and we all loved her for that.

All our love, your Soul Sisters Xo”

Kelley loved relaxing and being at home with her fur babies, spending hours making puzzles, cooking, reading or just sitting on her porch or dock taking in all of nature's beauty that surrounded their property.

Kelley was talented beyond measure, and it was incredible the way in which she could sit down at her crafting table and create something marvellous.

She also loved to sing and dance! Whether at home doing housework, gathering with friends or family, Kelley had an uncanny ability to turn any space into a dance floor or a hairbrush into a microphone.

If she heard a song she liked, she danced and she hoped you would join her and dance too!

All who were touched by her will miss Kelley beyond words. We will miss her flair for fashion and design, her inner and outer beauty and that gorgeous smile. The family would like to extend a huge thank you to Dr. Myrehaug, Dr. Lipsman and the brain cancer team and staff for their world-class care at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

Endless thanks to the entire cancer team and staff at the Durham Region Cancer Center and Kelley’s doctors; Dr. Niglas, Dr. Koneru, Dr. Chandhoke, Dr. Irish, Dr. Dixon and Dr. Ritchie.

A special thank you to Hearth Place Support Center that provided additional care to Kelley throughout her journey.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Society of Canada (www.bcsc.ca) to further the research in life-changing treatments for breast cancer patients or you may consider donating to the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy (www.ofcp.ca/donate/).

Both foundations are near and dear to Kelley’s heart.

A private family service will be held on September 5th, 2021. Due to COVID-19 a Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.

For those wishing to view the family service a link will be provided September 6th on the funeral home website.

Memories, photos and condolences may also be shared at northcuttelliott.com .