Chelse Anne Widen (1983-2025) was a kind, enthusiastic nurse, mother, daughter, and sister. To know Chelse was to love her. Her soulful laughter filled the room with positivity. She, unfortunately, was also a victim of domestic violence. To honor her legacy and spread awareness of domestic abuse, we award a scholarship to a high school senior in Chesapeake, VA planning to study Nursing.
Chelse graduated from Hickory High School in 2002. She went on to study Nursing at Medical Careers Institute. Throughout her over twenty-year career as a nurse, she worked for Sentara, the Barry Robinson Center, and Capital Digestive Care. A dedicated nurse, she comforted her patients through their most vulnerable moments with compassion.
Chelse found joy in documenting her life through photography, caring for her flock of chickens, and bringing forth life in her bountiful vegetable garden. She was always eager to look for her next adventure hiking on trails, going to festivals, and running races. Chelse loved her children unconditionally and took great pride in their strong character and all of their accomplishments.
Honoring the life of Chelse. 1983-2025. 