Elizabeth Ann Jelly

Elizabeth Ann “Liz” Jelly (née Rathby) March 1, 1930 – July 17, 2025 Elizabeth Ann Jelly, lovingly known as Liz, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the age of 95 in Peoria, Illinois, where she resided at the Hillside Lutheran Senior Living Village. Born on March 1, 1930, in Dorchester, Ontario, Liz lived a life defined by compassion, service, and grace. She earned her Nursing degree from the University of Ontario and became a Registered Nurse. After marrying Dr. Gerald “Jerry” Jelly, DVM, the couple moved to Peoria, Illinois, where Liz would dedicate more than four decades of her life to nursing, public service and flowers. Liz served faithfully with the American Red Cross for 40 years, traveling across the state of Illinois on the bloodmobile and providing essential care and comfort to countless individuals and communities. Her deep commitment to health and well-being touched many of lives. Beyond her nursing career, Liz was a committed and active community leader. She served as President of the Board at the Florence Crittenton Home in Peoria, where she championed programs supporting women and children in need. A devoted horticulturist, Liz was a Master Gardener in the Peoria and Metamora areas and held leadership roles in local gardening organizations, including serving as President. Her passion for floral design earned her numerous awards at county fairs, and her gardens were a source of beauty and inspiration to all who knew her. Though she made her home in Illinois, Liz remained closely connected to her Canadian roots. Her parents continued to reside in Ontario, and she treasured the deep ties she maintained with her extended family in Canada throughout her life. Liz was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry, on August 1, 2008. She is survived by family members—nieces, nephews, and extended family in Canada. A Celebration of Life to honor Liz will be held at Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria, Illinois on August 3, 2025 from 2-4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the American Red Cross or a local gardening organization. Liz Jelly will be remembered as a healer, a leader, a nurturer, and a quiet force of goodness in the world. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the gardens she grew, and the community she so faithfully served.

Elizabeth Ann Jelly

March 1, 1930 - July 17, 2025