Mateo Joseph Delgado Kelly
December 15, 2025
Passed away peacefully at home with family by his side, on Monday, December 15, 2025, Mateo Delgado Kelly of London, at the age of 9 ¾ years. Beloved son of Jose Delgado and Kristibeth Kelly. Loving grandson of Anna Kelly and Grandpa Bob Davis. Dear nephew of Susan (Rowland), Michael, Harold (Kim), Cesar, and Lourdes. Dear cousin of Daniel, Melissa, Nathan, Dion, Demi, Drew, Rachael, Liam, and Alexis. Predeceased by his grandparents Robert Kelly and Silvia Delgado, and his uncle Robert “Kim” Kelly.
Cremation has taken place. Mateo’s life will be celebrated from Valleyview Mennonite Church, 1170 Melsandra Avenue, London, on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Interment at Hawkesville Cemetery in the spring.
For those unable to attend the celebration in person,
a livestream is available by clicking on the following link:
Livestream of the Celebration of Mateo’s Life
Mateo was cherished from the moment he was born and every day since. He had this special gift to charm every person he met. He spent his school days at Old North Public School where he made friends of all ages. He was always enthusiastic to start new classes each fall, and so excited to meet his new teachers. He loved every teacher he had!
To our horror, Mateo was diagnosed with a very rare, inoperable, incurable brain stem cancer on May 25th, 2025 and spent almost 3 months in London Children’s Hospital. He appreciated every person who cared for him and he made sure to thank every one of them including the porters, cleaning staff, and countless medical staff. He always greeted them by name and offered them a “Favourite, Best” button that suited their position. He was so very happy to finally come home and again, charmed all of the PSW’s, nurses and doctors who cared for him there. Whether in the hospital or at home, those who cared for Mateo could tell you a story about this incredible unique boy who they will remember always. Although Mateo did not beat the disease physically, he beat it with his unusually upbeat spirit and attitude and despite all odds, he never complained or let the circumstances get him down. As was described by a nurse case manager he was “a unicorn of a kid”.
Mateo’s family will always appreciate and remember the excellent care he received from all the staff on the 6th floor of London’s Children’s Hospital, and those in the P.M.D.U.; each one went above and beyond to show Mateo love and warmth. Thank you all. Thanks to all the P.S.W.s, and health care workers who came to the house and did the same. A special thanks to Jennifer.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Mateo are asked to consider Ronald McDonald House Charities, ChildCan, Children’s Health Foundation, and Valleyview Mennonite Church.
Mateo: “Have a very good rest of your day!”
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There are only words through prayer now. We ask Jesus to lift the burden from your hearts and grant your souls the peace, knowing that where Mateo has risen, there is pure love and comfort. Mateo's time was short but mighty. Peace be with you Kristibeth, Jose and your families.
Our deepest condolences to Kristibeth, Jose and your families. What a courageous, loving and joyful child Mateo was - a bright light in this world. Please know that we are holding you in our hearts as you move through this very difficult time. May your memories with Mateo bring you comfort.
Our deepest condolences to the Kelly and Delgado families. Mateo was a beautiful, thoughtful soul who touched so many lives. May you take comfort knowing that you gave him a wonderful life full of love and adventure. As Mateo told me once, we’ll see him in our dreams 🩷
My deepest condolences to my brother Jose and Kelly family. Mateo will always be remember as the most artistic, beautiful and joyful little member of our family.
Dear Kelly family, our heartfelt sympathy for your loss of such a special young man. You are in our prayers. May God comfort you all.
How could such a little guy, who was here for such a short time, bring so much joy and teach us so many life lessons? You will forever shine bright in our hearts, Mateo, and you will never be forgotten. (Bibi, Ali, Akram & Elyas)
My condolences to all of the Delgado Kelly families. Big hugs especially to Mateo’s parents and Uncle Harold from Mini I know that words feel like little solace at a time like this. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all on the passing of such a special little boy with the heart of a warrior.. I like to think that whenever you share a memory, a story, laughter, and yes, even tears that that person is beside you and with you at those times. Know that you were all in my prayers and that I’m sending and wishing special angels to be beside you throughout the coming months. Much love from Port Elgin Mini Jacques
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mateo at his young age & our sympathy and thoughts are with the families at this difficult time.
Mateo will be remembered as a charming, ambitious, and overall extremely pleasant individual. In late September, I transferred schools and was placed at Old North. My first day working as Mateos Educational Assistant, he called me sweetheart and darling, and from that point on he stole my heart. My time spent with Mateo was short, but I will forever cherish the special moments we shared. Mateo never let his diagnosis interfere with his ability to engage in the activities his peers were doing. His perseverance and willingness to adapt to challenges he faced was inspiring. He was so brave and remained extremely positive despite the circumstances. He brought so much joy and love to my life and the lives of those around him. His legacy will live on at Old North Public School and within the community. I will never forget him and the beautiful soul he had. My heart breaks for Mateos family. Sending them love as they remain in my thoughts during this extremely devastating time
My deepest condolences on this heartbreaking news. I can't even imagine what you are going through. Sending prayers and peace to the entire family.
Kb, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Although I never had the opportunity to meet Mateo, it’s clear how much light and joy his soul brought into the lives of those around him. Please accept my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. The loss of a child is a pain no one should ever have to endure. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
To the Delgado and Kelly families, my deepest sympathy.
There will never be another like him. Mateo was such an incredible young man. He had such passion for life and all it had to offer. In the short time I got to spend with him and his amazing family, I knew he would leave a mark on my heart. Mateo certainly changed the world wherever he was with whatever he was doing. I am so sorry for the loss of this young man. He was loved and treasured by his family and friends. The world is truly missing out on who Mateo was and who he would have been. Kristibeth, Jose, Mike and Ann, and all who knew him I am so sorry for your loss. Mateo was a beautiful soul and will be missed.
Kristibeth, Jose, Mike and Ann - I am so sorry for your loss of Mateo. He truly was a special human! To bear witness to the love and support that he had from all of you was an honour. I will remember him and you always. Sending you all love and light during this devastating time.
Kb, I am so deeply sorry to hear about Mateo’s passing. My most sincere condolences to you and your whole family. It was profoundly moving to witness the love, courage, and grace with which you and Mateo faced the last few months. The way you embraced each moment, held onto joy, and made every minute count was truly inspiring. Please know that you are in my thoughts, and I hope you feel surrounded by care and support during this unimaginably difficult time.
To Kristibeth, Jose, & family, We are so very sorry for your loss. Mateo gifted our family and all those who knew him with his bravery and his example of a positive attitude in the face of challenges. We remember Mateo as a happy, fun, intelligent and all-round special guy who will forever be Jean-Marc and Béatrice’s younger brother. Such a legacy in such a short time.
We where so saddened to hear of Mateo passing. Our heart goes out to Kristi and the rest of the family. We have known Kristi since she was a little girl. Can't imagine the grief she is going thru right now. Our prayers and thoughts are with all who have been touched by this great loss.
I was privileged to love Mateo from when he was just a little fellow. He brought so much JOY to my life. He was one of a kind. For such a little man, he sure had a huge HEART. From the beginning, his Mom Kristibeth instilled in him that LOVE, is the most important part of life. He was blessed with the Fruits of the Spirit, while still being a CHILD and I know without question, he is in heaven with his Grampa Bob. This is a comfort to me, at this unimaginable time of loss.
I had the privilege to be an uncle to a loving, compassionate, awesome young man. My condolences to Kristi, Jose, Ma and to all who miss him.
My heart is breaking 💔 I am so sorry for your loss sending prayers and hugs 🙏
Services for Mateo Joseph Delgado Kelly
Celebration of Mateo's Life will be held at:
Valleyview Mennonite Church
1170 Melsandra Avenue,
London, Ontario
December 18, 2025 2:00 pm
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My deepest condolences to Professor José and his family. I am so sorry for your loss and am sending strength, love, and comfort while keeping you in my thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.
~ MOHAMAD AL SILO