Toni Nelson
1945-2018

Toni Lynne Nelson, of Lethbridge, Alberta, passed away peacefully Friday, April 6, 2018 at Monterey Seniors Village in Calgary, Alberta.

Toni was born May 3, 1945, in Tremonton, Utah to Ford and Marcella Jeppson. She is survived by her children, Natashya Pippin and Justin Nelson; her grandchildren Dagan Nelson, Ava Nelson, Nakita Pippin; and by her sister and brother, Bonnie Lewis and Joel Jeppson.

Toni was a self-proclaimed tomboy in her youth, and loved growing up on her family’s farm. She often related stories of taking care of the animals or helping her father drive the tractor. As a young woman, Toni was accepted to Utah State University on a debate scholarship and completed her bachelor’s degree in Education in 1968. After a brief stint of teaching English at a public school in Laramie, Wyoming, she married, and settled with her husband, Vaughn Nelson, in Southern Alberta, Canada. There, Toni became a mother, giving birth to fraternal twins, Natashya and Justin.

Toni went on to become a successful and respected member of the Lethbridge professional community as a chartered accountant and business partner. Later, she decided to pursue a PhD and attended the University of Oregon from 1986 to 1991. Toni earned her PhD and returned to Canada, accepting a teaching position at the University of Lethbridge. Toni made Lethbridge her home and led a rich career at the university from 1991 to 2011. During her time there, she held the positions of Full Professor, Assistant Dean, and Acting Dean.

In retirement, Toni was an avid gardener and dog-lover. She enjoyed travel, and visited South Africa and Costa Rica. She was a voracious reader, and a deep-thinker. She was a dedicated and unconditionally loving mother. Her humour, warmth, and kindness were apparent to all who knew her.

There will be a ceremony to honour and celebrate Toni’s life at Choice Memorial (105-4715 13th Street NE) on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 2:00 pm.

Those who would like to express their sympathies are welcome to send flowers, or if they prefer, to make a charitable donation to https://www.alzheimercalgary.ca/get-involved/donate-now.

To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Toni, please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.