Wendy Elizabeth Kelly-Conrad

OF Dartmouth, passed peacefully on December 30, 2018. Daughter of the late Cecil and Gloria Kelly. Survived by husband of 40 years, Neal; children, Kirsten, Eamonn (Sara), Liam and Caleb; grandchild, Ainslie; sister, Gail Legnaro (Angelo); cousins, Pat Kelly and Vina Noseworthy. Predeceased by grandparents, Earl and Elizabeth Wilkinson. Born in Glace Bay, Wendy fondly remembered summer vacations at Gillis’s Lake with her family which no doubt helped shape her love for family time. Wendy moved to Wolfville for her University education, a place she would also meet her future husband Neal. From there they formed the basis of a strong and exciting relationship which would see them move to Halifax, then Dartmouth where they had a busy family of four children, and later one granddaughter. “Mom” enjoyed raising and watching them grow and move out into the world. The family had many wonderful experiences over the years from family vacations to Digby, Cape Breton, the South Shore and day trips all over the province of Nova Scotia. Wendy truly enjoyed time with her family, she was so proud of everyone. While her earliest ambitions included being a police officer, Wendy came to work for 35 years for the Government of Nova Scotia, much of which as an employment councilor in the department of community services. Her proudest career accomplishments were helping her clients successfully move from financial dependence to an independent life. She truly cared about the clients she worked for and wanted to help people to achieve their financial freedom and accomplish life goals. Over this time she formed many long lasting and strong friendships with many of her colleagues. Listening to music and enjoying a glass of wine were very happy and relaxing times for Wendy. She loved to be around people and have long conversations with lots of laughs. Her favorite musicians included James Taylor, Paul Simon, Jessie Winchester, Carol King and Carly Simon. Many of these she had the privilege of enjoying live with Neal, from large venues like Hyde Park, to intimate environments like the Hughes Room. She loved Nova Scotia wine year round, but particularly in the sun on the deck in her back yard or in the garden, while watching the clothes dry on the line. She loved to watch “James Bond” movies (even the old corny ones), window shopping for jewelry (and in many cases actually shopping!) and spending time with her granddaughter. Wendy loved to travel to see the world. Her adventures started within Nova Scotia, across Canada to BC, and later over the oceans to France, The Netherlands, England, Ireland and Northern Ireland. She embraced each opportunity and culture to learn and experience the uniqueness of each local. From river cruises through France to grabbing a coffee in Belfast, to pouring the perfect Guinness, Wendy enjoyed each moment and made many friends along the way. Never one to complain, she was caring and compassionate, always putting the well-being of others ahead of her own. She was nothing but supportive of her children’s endeavors, and always expressed genuine interest in those of others. Passionate of travel and the world, she was quick to share that love with pictures and stories. Her compassion and passion touched those around her, and will be missed for those reasons and more. Always a strong soul, Wendy never made excuses for hardships in her life. She will fondly be remembered as a strong person who would do anything for the people she cared for, but as a loving wife, mother and grandmother and friend to us all. We will continue to remember her and love her forever. Special thanks to the Dartmouth General Hospital for their care and compassion. Memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, January 6, 2019 from 10am-12pm in A. L. Mattatall Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation.