Shelley Gray

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.