Nelly Lucia Arbelaez

It is with deep love and gratitude that we celebrate the life of Nelly Arbelaez, a devoted mother, cherished friend, and the vibrant heart of our family, who passed away on July 2, 2025.

Born in 1940 in the historic city of Popayán, Colombia, Nelly’s life began among the whitewashed walls and cobblestone streets of the Andes. Though adopted as a child by her loving parents, Renaldo and Raquel, she was raised with warmth, faith, and a strong sense of purpose. She attended Catholic school and spent her youth surrounded by community, often singing Clasico Bolero songs with friends outside her home—a sign of the joy and music that would always be central to her life.

Nelly married her beloved husband Jorge in her hometown, and together they began the extraordinary journey of raising a large, close-knit family. After welcoming their first children—Doris, Jorge, Tony, and John—followed by twins Julio and David, they courageously made a new life in a new country. Through every challenge, Nelly remained a pillar of strength, balancing the demands of motherhood with unwavering grace and resilience.

A skilled seamstress, Nelly worked tirelessly to help support her family, yet always found time to create warmth and magic at home—especially on birthdays, which she made joyful and full of laughter. She was not only a provider, but also a nurturer, teacher, cook, counselor, and, above all, a constant source of unconditional love.

Among her greatest joys were the dance parties she hosted for her circle of Latina friends. There, her spirit shone brightest—moving to the rhythm of life, surrounded by music, laughter, and community. That is how we will remember her: vibrant, generous, full of life.

Nelly was preceded by her husband Jorge Arbelaez and her parents Reynaldo and Raquel Andrade. She is survived and will forever be remembered by her children; Doris Rousey-Unger and her husband Ben, Jorge Arbelaez, Tony Arbelaez and his wife Mischelle, John Arbelaez, Julio Arbelaez and his wife Lorena, and David Arbelaez; grandchildren; Brooke Dierke and her husband Matt, Jonathan Arbelaez, Alejandro Arbelaez, Sarah Arbelaez, Jordan Rousey, Sarah Rousey, Isabella Arbelaez, Ethan Arbelaez, Becca Arbelaez, Ellie Arbelaez, Victoria Arbelaez, Amelia Arbelaez, Aiden Arbelaez, Alyssa Arbelaez, Austin Arbelaez, and Audrey Arbelaez; great-grandchildren; Jaxson Dierke and Adalynn McGee.

Nelly Arbelaez leaves behind a legacy of love, sacrifice, and strength that lives on in her children and all who had the honor of knowing her. She showed us how to face life with courage, joy, and compassion—and we are forever grateful for the example she set and the light she gave us.