Jennie Vance McRoberts was born on August 4, 1878 to William and Elizabeth McRoberts in Parry Sound, Ontario.

On January 11, 1911 she married Bert Nelson. Jennie was a teacher at the time, Bert was an engineer. Jennie and Bert had no children.

Jennie died on October 4, 1937 in Port Arthur, Ontario where they had lived for several years.