Catherine L. Forster

Dr. Catherine L. Forster Nelson, age 64, of Canton, passed away March 1, 2026. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio as one of 3 daughters on July 13, 1961, to the late Albert and Patsy (Jackson) Forster and graduated from Nordonia High School. Following high school, she graduated from the University of Toledo and then earned her Doctoral of Dental Surgery from Case Western Reserve University. A talented dentist, Catherine continued her education through certifications from the Pankey Institute of Florida, earning her Restorative Dental Certification. Catherine acquired dental practice in Canton in the late 1980s and began her over 30-year career serving her patients with compassion and skills she took great pride in. Marrying her high school sweetheart, Craig Nelson, and raising her 2 daughters were her main passion. Catherine gave back to her community through fundraising efforts for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation helping to raise over $2 Million over a 20-year period and could often be found cruising in her 1939 Mercury Coupe that her father built. Catherine was a wonderful woman who touched everyone she came across.

Catherine is survived by her husband, Craig Nelson; daughters Emily Nelson and Jennifer Nelson; her beloved Cockapoo, Harley, who was her closest companion these last few months.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the UPMC Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine Cystic Fibrosis Fund. 

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Private family services are being held.