Shelley Gray
March 14th, 2024
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Shelley Gray. Wife, mom, grandma, sister, friend, colleague, mentor – Shelley touched so many lives in so many ways.
Shelley loved her family to the moon and back. Family was the centre of her universe, and she was so proud of her children and grandchildren. For our family, Shelley was our guiding star.
“The Farm” was Shelley’s dream, and she and her husband, George, worked together to create a little piece of paradise. Shelley had a lifelong passion for horses and horseback riding. She always loved animals – horses, dogs, cats, and chickens were an integral part of her life. During Christmas, a magical time of the year for her, The Farm was transformed into Christmas central. No room, wall, shelf, nook, or cranny escaped being “Christmasized”. For Shelley, Christmas represented the joy of giving, something Shelley did every day throughout her life.
Shelley had a variety of careers, all of which provided service to others – nurse, teacher, principal, doula, and childbirth educator. Throughout her professional life, she was an advocate for children, families, and communities. She loved babies and supported their parents. She was a phenomenal educator – both as a teacher and a principal – and was a strong leader and team builder. She was a mentor in the educational and childbirth worlds – many young professionals benefited from, and were thankful for, her wisdom, advice, and support.
Our family is truly grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love for Shelley from friends and colleagues. The tributes online, in cards, and via email are extremely touching and very special. It is in the words of her friends and colleagues that Shelley’s effect on the lives of others is best expressed: She was a beautiful person inside and out – a bright light with an infectious smile – a wonderful person who led with her heart and who gave so much to so many. She was a force of nature, a life-changing individual with a heart of service. She was strong and generous, funny and fun loving, tough and gentle. Shelley stood up for herself, but mostly stood up for others – she was always in your corner and had your back. She was outspoken and fierce, smart and courageous. She was kind and loyal, and made you feel seen, heard, understood, and valued. She gave her friends unconditional love, and it was an honour to be one of her people.
Missing her deeply and for always: George; Jenna and Yannick, Uchenna, Kanayo, Levi, Aliyah, Jordyn; Matt and Lauren, Calyse; Holly and Irène.
A donation to Critter Care, Langley, B.C. would be appreciated in honour of Shelley and her love for all animals big or small.
Messages:
Dear Shelley, it feels impossible that you are gone. A rock to so many… one of the kindest people I know. You will always be in my heart and I will have the most beautiful memories of you forever. Much love to all your loved ones, Big hugs.
Oh Shelley, you are so missed! We knew you as our wonderful neighbour, but we could always see you were the heart and soul of your lovely family. Our hearts go out to George, Jenna, Matt and their families, as well as all of your many friends.
This lovely lady left an impact on me in my career as a young teacher, although, I didn’t know her well. She wrote a paper on why homework doesn’t benefit students and it transformed my thinking and I used her research with many of my colleagues and parents. Thanks for everything Shelley
Shelley’s mark in this world will live on for years to come. My deepest condolences to her whole family who were her reason to keep going until the very end. I will miss you, my friend. You will not be forgotten.
Sending my love to all of you during this very difficult time. Shelley was a dear friend and I will hold memories of our times together in my heart forever. Love, Eileen
Shelley has been a part of my family for many years she played a huge part in my sons elementary school day.. she also there helping me for the birth of my daughter i will never forget her kindness and love she continuously showed me and everyone she knew she will be greatly missed ..