Jean "Jennie" Victoria Smith was a daughter of George and Gertrude Smith. She was born on March 18, 1901 in Foley Township near Parry Sound, Ontario. Jennie's Delayed Statement of Birth which she signed on January 30, 1968 states her birthday was March 17th, but the 1901 census lists March 18th as her birth date.

Jennie was a nurse in training when she married Claude Nelson on December 18, 1921. Claude was a Post Office clerk living in Depot Harbour, Ontario.

Claude and Jennie had three children - twin sons Claude and Conrad, and a daughter Iris.

On December 18, 1975 Jennie died in Trenton, Ontario. Claude lived until January 14, 1992 and is also buried in Trenton, Ontario.