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
Gary Gottlieb
Allan and Darlene ( Gellner ) Douglas
Aunt Esther and Uncle Dave
You are in our thoughts and prayers .
With Love Darlene and Allan
Norma Ganderton John Mullen
We are so sorry for your loss, we will have you in our thoughts and prayers. ❤️
Heather Randall
Uncle Dave, Aunt Esther, and Ryan. I'm so sorry for the loss of our dear, sweet Shelley. I have so many wonderful memories of her, she was always so kind to me. So many childhood memories of the different places we would visit you all, and when she would come to London for a visit. I can’t believe she’s gone, but I'm so thankful she's at peace. I’m sure her Uncle Ken welcomed her with open arms and a huge laugh when she arrived in heaven.
Sending hugs and so much love as you adapt to life without her physical presence.
She will be missed.
Love you all. Heather (Emmalyn, Jake, Kalvin, Sarah, Lilah, Rogan and Emily)
Diane & Imre Wachtler
Aunt Esther, Uncle Dave, and Ryan, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers that God will continue to give you strength and comfort as you hold Shelly's memory close.
Kevin Goheen (Colonel ret’d)
Dear Ryan, Esther and David,
This news has come as shock to me as it’s been a number of years since my path has crossed with Shelley’s. I remember her as such a vibrant, funny and intelligent friend whom I first met in Borden, Ontario for Basic Officer Training in 1982 (43 + years ago). I’ve uploaded a few photos of our time there and the fun we had while learning our role in the military. Our platoon was composed of nurses, loggies, retreads and a bunch of dentists, myself included…I’m confident that we caused premature aging of the directing staff but the more they tried to inflict discipline on us the more fun we had…including Toga parties (see pic). None-the-less we all graduated and many of us stayed around for a full career. I next met up with Shelley on the Preserver where I had landed onboard in the 1988 era as the ship’s temp dentist whilst the regular dentist attended a course. Shelley hadn’t changed a bit except that she was now an experienced and consummate logistics pro. I can’t believe she’s left us and I’m deeply saddened by the loss of such a special individual. My sincerest condolences to all her family at such a difficult time. God bless.
brent sagaert
my condolences to the entire family
DEBORAH DAVIS
From Deborah Davis (fellow BOTC graduate with you, Dave, and colleague with both of you in Washington in the 90s). I remember how proud you were of Shelley when she joined the Navy! I know what it is to have a child die (my late husband, Ted, and I lost our daughter, Jill, to cancer in her 20s ) and my heart goes out to you both as you grapple with your unimaginable loss. Please take good care of each other.
Robert Kinght
Life is such a short journey
my thoughts and prayers are with you remember Shelly as a little girl at our farm bless you Dave and Ryan
Roy Gellner
Aunt Esther, Dad and I are holding you, Dave and Ryan in our hearts during this time of sorrow and beyond. May the God of Comfort give you His peace as you grieve this loss.
Thanks for putting up with this Southern Gentleman . Rest in Peace Cuz.