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Frances Kelsey
1914 - 2015
Frances Kelsey
1914 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1914
DIED
2015
Frances Kelsey Obituary
Kelsey was hired by the FDA in 1960 to review approval applications for new drugs. In the early 1960s she opposed an application for the drug thalidomide, then being prescribed in other countries for pregnant women experiencing morning sickness.
Against pressure from the pharmaceutical industry she stood her ground. Her opposition was vindicated when new scientific evidence revealed crippling birth defects in infants were the direct result of their mothers taking the drug. Thalidomide crossed the placental barrier resulting in abnormally short limbs or in some cases no legs or arms at all.
Kelsey received the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service from President John F. Kennedy in 1962. She continued working for the FDA until her retirement in 2005 at the age of 90.
She was also awarded the Order of Canada in a private ceremony less than 24 hours before her death on Friday, August 7, 2015 at her daughter's home in London, Ontario.
33 Entries
Lane Student
April 18, 2020
Even though it's been almost 5 yrs I'm sure your loss is still felt and I send my sympathy. I was watching a documentary on Thalidomide Babies on youtube. I learned about Dr. Kelsey in nursing school (mid 80's) when an instructor spoke about the actions of ONE woman that prevented this drug from approval in the USA. I've often thought of that. So I thank her family for her steadfastness and resilience in standing her ground and helping so many women to have healthy babies. I also thank my mom, who refused to take this drug and just dealth with the morning sickness. Wishing you strength and thanking you, the family.
March 9, 2017
Very few people impact lives to the extent that Dr. Kelsey did. If it were not for her integrity and the courage to stand up for what she knew was right, many more children would have suffered. Dr. Kelsey has earned a place in the annuls of medicine, research, and politics. We are fortunate to have her as a model for humanity.
My sympathy to her family on her passing.
Marlene Brennan
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Amy
August 13, 2015
To be intelligent can be good, but to have those who are intelligent, ethical and compassionate is truly remarkable. Dr Kelsey certainly fits that description.
May her family take comfort in knowing all the heartache that her firm stand prevented.
Very sorry for your loss and may God's peace be with you. Psalm 46:1
August 13, 2015
Thank you for standing your ground and saving many expecting parents a heart ache. God bless you and may your rest in His presence.
ELLIE
August 13, 2015
Kind wishes to Susan and Chris. Happy memories will comfort you.
Jacques V
August 12, 2015
,you have had a beautiful life... I will be soon 77,in good health , no pill ,no doctor... I will look for you in Heaven, Frances. Jacques V
Toresea Dunaway
August 12, 2015
Thank you for being a true physician and proponent of the part of the Hippocratic oath of "do no harm". Rest in peace and enjoy your angel wings...you earned them!
August 12, 2015
God bless her!
grateful citizen
August 12, 2015
Deepest gratitude to a true scientist and humanitarian.
(The Davis Family)
August 11, 2015
Our deepest condolences to your family, we are so sorry for your loss. May your loving memories hold close in your heart and God's love give you peace and comfort. (Psalm 83:18)
August 11, 2015
Prayers to the family.
R. Williams, MD
August 11, 2015
The world needs more people like Frances!
August 11, 2015
Beloveds, deepest condolences to all who knew her and loved her. I know she will truly be missed. May the God of all comfort be with you . . .
August 11, 2015
Our condolences and deepest sympathy to the family. We will keep the family in our prayers.
cindy
August 10, 2015
Rest in Peace Frances Kelsey. We need many Frances Kelseys in this world today. Thank you for standing firm on your professional ethics and caring for others. Frances Kelsey was a true " hero " towards mankind.
Mary K. Sierra
August 10, 2015
Be true to yourself. What a champion Frances was for all. I am grateful that she was vindicated and, perhaps, at that time, perceived obstinacy. Courage has no gender. Humanity applies to all. God bless the family and friends of this wise and noble person.
Carolee Pineau
August 10, 2015
Dr. Kelsey was and still is my hero.
Rita Holmes
August 10, 2015
What a wonderful womam...May the Lord be with Frances Kelsey and Rest in Peace.
August 10, 2015
Women like her are very distinguished in society today...those who fight on our behalf. I'm happy the family had the privilege of seen her grow old for so many years... Now, I'm also extending my sincere condolences, please accept them. Psalm 9:9, May the love and comfort that our Heavenly Father provides to those who suffer, be granted to the family to deal with their loss.
August 10, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. May God bring you comfort during this time of sorrow. Psalm 68:20
ER
August 10, 2015
The story of your courage and determination will live on forever. Thank you doesn't say enough but we all owe you so much. Condolences to family, friends, colleagues, admirers and all who were spared suffering.
August 10, 2015
My condolences to the family.may the words at 1peter5:7 comfort you in knowing that God really does care about you and your family.
Henrietta Hendrickson
August 10, 2015
I am very sorry for the loss of your loved one. Her family has to be so very proud of all her accomplishments. May she rest in peace until the trumpet sounds, then abide in perfect love in the heavenly realm.
Gavin Bamber
August 9, 2015
People do not die for us immediately, but remain bathed in a sort of aura of life which bears no relation to true immortality but through which they continue to occupy our thoughts in the same way as when they were alive. It is as though they were traveling abroad.
- Marcel Proust
Scott Chamberland
August 9, 2015
Rest in Peace
Cheryl Landin
August 9, 2015
RIP. I am sorry for the loss of your Mother. She was a fine woman who believed in standing for what she believed.
She saved thousands of babies and their Mothers.
God bless you and your family during this difficult time in their lives.
y s
August 9, 2015
We send our condolences to the Kelsey family. May the Almighty God help you endure during these trying times. Psalms 83:18
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
August 9, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
Janet Mitchell
August 8, 2015
What an amazing woman! What a wonderful human being! May she rest in peace, she earned her angel wings by standing firm against thalidomide . God bless her!
MEK
August 8, 2015
A brilliant trailblazer that saved thousands of babies and their parents from lifetimes of heartache.
Susan Wagner-White
August 8, 2015
A true hero. She saved thousands of babies.
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