Shirley Duff Nelson, 81, a long time resident of the Ponte Vedra / Palm Valley area, passed away in her home on Saturday, September 19, 2015.
She was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on November 12, 1933 to Ian and Gladys Duff and moved to Florida in 1960 in search of adventure with her two best friends. Shirley received a Teaching Degree in Toronto and continued her education at the University of North Florida, from which she received a Bachelor of Arts in Education (Magna Cum Laude) in 1980.
Shirley was a dedicated teacher and touched the lives of many families during her career. In addition to teaching for 7 years in Canada, she led the preschool at Christ Church in Ponte Vedra Beach for many years, beginning in the early 1970’s. She was also a long time faculty member at Jacksonville Country Day School, teaching elementary students until her retirement in the early 2000’s.
She loved to read, spend time with her children and grandchildren, enjoyed gardening and was an active tennis player most of her life. She is loved and remembered by all who knew her.
She is survived by her three children, Todd Nelson (Michelle) of Neptune Beach FL, Tammy Taft (Gene) of Mandeville LA, and Tracy Brown (Mark) of Ponte Vedra Beach FL; her children’s father, Alfred Nelson, Jacksonville FL; seven grandchildren, Shelby and Samantha Nelson, Erin, Sara, Evan and Daniel Taft, and Ian Brown; and her brother Dr. John Duff (Barbara Ann) of London, Ontario, Canada.
A Graveside Service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, October 3rd at H. Warren Smith Cemetery, Jacksonville Beach, FL.
Please share your memories or stories at www.quinn-shalz.com. Services under the direction and care of Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home.
