1962-2026
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our precious Shelley at Perley Health on January 18, 2026 after a very long courageous battle with Dementia. She leaves behind her devoted son, Ryan, parents David & Esther Ganderton, and her two cats, Dasha & Echo.
Shelley had a successful 33-year career as a Logistics Officer in the Canadian Navy. She enlisted in the Regular Officer Training Plan, completed a BSC degree at Dalhousie University and served in various positions on the east coast including time in HMCS Preserver & HMCS Cormorant, as well as six months in CFS Alert. In between all this she managed an MBA at St. Mary’s University and a final posting at NDHQ Ottawa. She loved life, loved people, loved to travel, was a loyal friend and avid photographer. Most of all she loved her son dearly. Family was very important to her and she will be remembered by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
We wish to thank the staff at Rideau 2 South for the exceptional care Shelley received for the 55 days she spent there. Our thanks to her many PSW’s with special mention to caregiver Mary G. for her compassion & dedication.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 1 p.m. in the Sacred Space of Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, located at 280 Beechwood Avenue in Ottawa. The burial will follow at the National Military Cemetery, in Beechwood Cemetery and a reception thereafter.
Those unable to attend in person, may attend virtually via live stream by accessing this link:https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/120183
Digital Guestbook
Karen Davis
Gary and Elizabeth Reddy
Dear Ryan, Dave and Esther,
Elizabeth and I are so sorry to hear of Shelley's passing. Shelley was such a bright and intelligent person. Enjoyed our time at Staff College and the many times we met during our careers. She always had a smile and her engaging personality had a positive influence on us all. Our sincere condolences in your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Mike and Jean Gellner
Dear Aunt Esther and Uncle Dave and Ryan, Our hearts go out to you during this time of your great loss of a dear daughter/mom. May you be comforted by your faith as you grieve. Love to you all.
Jane Sharron
Aunt Esther and Uncle Dave, My heart is with you as you grieve the loss of your precious Shelley. I have so many fond childhood memories of her...visiting your home in Kingston, at Aunt Mary & Uncle Art's in Toronto, and your trips to Windsor. I loved my time with Shelley. We lived hours apart, but when we were together, she felt like a good friend. She was fun, joyful, and so beautiful. My prayers are with you that you'll sense God's comfort and peace surrounding you. Sending love to you all!
Mike & Jean Gellner
Our deepest condolences.
Lucy and Daryl Gellner
Dear Uncle Dave, Aunt Esther and Ryan
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve Shelley's passing.
She certainly left a lasting impression on all who had the good fortune to know her
Sincerely
Lucy and Daryl
Karen Davis
Ryan, Esther and Dave, So very sorry for your loss. Shelley was a dear friend and inspiring colleague. She worked tirelessly for positive change, and in this regard, was an inspiration to many of us as she brought her leadership, energy, intellect, innovation, and always an encouraging smile to our volunteer efforts with the Defence Women’s Advisory Organization in Ottawa. My daughter Kelsy and I will be forever grateful for the tremendous heart and kindness that Shelley added to our lives, and the happy times we shared with Shelley and Ryan.
Joyce Burghardt
Dear Esther, Dave and Ryan,
I am so truly sorry to hear the sad new of Shelley’s passing. I will always remember Shelley as bright, vivacious and cheerful with rosy cheeks and an infectious laugh - in addition to being an extremely competent Naval Logistics Officer. Over the course of our careers we graduated from being trainees and colleagues to being friends and I have wonderful memories of long telephone conversations with Shelley while she was in Staff College and we were both dealing with personal challenges, of outings to Merrickville and to The Swan on Rideau for lunch when Shelley was in the early stages of her illness and of bonding with her and Ryan over our mutual love of cats. I especially remember the wonderful party you organized for Shelley’s 50th birthday Esther, and the meaningful gift of a star that you presented to her that evening. Shelley was a truly lovely person in all ways.
Brian, Josée, Antoine
Dear Ryan, Esther, and Dave,
There is no words that can make up for your tremendous loss. Our hearts are with you in this difficult time. May the happy memories of Shelley bring you some comfort. Please know that we are there to support you. Take good care.
Lisa Milstead
Sending love to you all during this time of loss. Shelly was a remarkable woman🌹
Ryan, Esther and Dave, So very sorry for your loss. Shelley was a dear friend and inspiring colleague. She worked tirelessly for positive change, and in this regard, was an inspiration to many of us as she brought her leadership, energy, intellect, innovation, and always an encouraging smile to our volunteer efforts with the Defence Women’s Advisory Organization in Ottawa. My daughter Kelsy and I will be forever grateful for the tremendous heart and kindness that Shelley added to our lives, and the happy times we shared with Shelley and Ryan.