SHELLY, Karen
Shelly, Karen (nee Kendall)
September 10th 1958 – January 10th 2024
It is with immense sadness that the family of Karen Shelly (nee Kendall) announce her peaceful passing after a brief illness on the evening of January 10th 2024, in her 65th year, in Mississauga, Ontario.
Her loving companion, partner and best friend Mike Xerri will miss his best pal dearly. Her daughter Laura (Jack) and son Spencer (Robyn) will miss her warm smile and unconditional love and support. Mia and Curtis (children of Mike Xerri) will miss her closeness. Her grandchildren Harrison, Leona, Mack and Jacob will hold her close to their hearts. Her sister Kathy Brisley (Paul), extended family, friends and neighbours will miss her warm presence.
Karen will be remembered for her gentle soul, beauty, kind heart, positivity, and love for family, gardening, animals, reading and cooking. She loved her life and will be forever remembered.
Cremation has taken place and a private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. If wished, donations can be made in honour of Karen to the Rattray Marsh Conservation Area (https://cvcfoundation.ca/donate/rattray-marsh) – a place in nature she always loved.
To Karen’s Family
I’m very saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. She has the same wonderful smile in the picture that I remember very well from the last time I saw her in 1976 at Etobicoke Collegiate. That was a very long time ago. I have no doubt that her positivity and good nature persisted throughout her life and touched everyone she met over the years.
Very sorry to hear this news. I have fond memories of Karen at Sheridan Nurseries – she was warm, funny, and a great person to have a little laugh and a groan with. I had the pleasure of seeing her last year at Bulow Garden Centre and had a catch up amongst the plants. She always asked about former coworkers and friends with care. Sending my sincere condolences to her children and partner.
I knew Karen for only two years as my supervisor, but the impact she had on me was immense. She was so kind and funny, and truly was the work mom. It was a privilege to know her, and I will miss her greatly. My condolences to her family.
I’m so incredibly grateful to have been impacted by Karen’s kindness, encouragement and love from working alongside her at Sheridan for many years. She helped me grow into the person I am today, I’m so forever thankful for her friendship, guidance and sweet hugs. My deepest condolences to all her loved ones, she will be missed by so many.
I’m so lucky to have had known Karen when she was my supervisor at Sheridan. I’m so grateful that I got to know her. I’ll never forget the way she’d laugh with us on cash or truly cared about us as people not just coworkers. She always used to tell me about her walks by the lake and marsh, it always made me think of her when I’d see them. My condolences to all her friends and family, she’ll be greatly missed.
I am so sorry to hear and send my deepest condolences to Karen’s friends and family. I have nothing but fond memories of working with her at Sheridan Nurseries. She wasn’t my direct supervisor but anyone who ever worked there, especially as a young adult, knows she lived up to her title of work mom while simultaneously running the show up at cash and never taking any guff. She will be truly missed and by the sounds of my entry and others, her memory will live on through everyone she’s met❤️
Karen was my supervisor for a little less than a year. I am so grateful to have known her for this time, and wish it could have been longer. She was such a kind person who made work a comforting and welcoming environment. My deepest condolences.
Karen was the most wonderful woman. She was my supervisor for years and I always felt so lucky to have such a kind and supportive “work mom”. I’m so glad that I got to meet her. My condolences to her family and loved ones 💕
Karen was my supervisor at Sheridan for five years. In that time she was always kind, patient, understanding, and there with a hug when I needed it. She helped to bring me from a terrified sixteen year old working my first job, to eventually running teams myself, and was herself a force to be reckoned with. Everyone I know who knew her loved her so deeply, and she loved us all as well. She was truly the epitome of “work mom”. She always encouraged us to strive for the best, both at work and in life, and she will be so terribly missed. We love you Karen, rest easy.
Allison and Liam
I was so sad to hear of Karen’s passing. I worked with her at Sheridan Nurseries for 2-3 years, and she was a kind and gentle lady. We had some really lovely chats about life, aging, children, and grandchildren who were the love of her life. She was a great colleague and in her job, she supported her team and always had their backs when the unexpected happened. I have so many other memories of her that I will never forget. My only hope is she didn’t suffer long….she and her family was robbed of time with her. Rest In Peace, Karen…you have left your mark in my life. Regards….Nancy Bradd
Karen was always such a warm and joyous person, welcoming us as kids and creating an environment of fun, freedom, and play. I was always struck by her creativity and generosity. Her kindness and welcoming nature were key to ensuring our childhoods were full of laughs and adventure. She will be greatly missed.
Karen, I am eternally happy and grateful you were my neighbour. Throughout life, you gave me solid advice on anything I was going through, and always made things better and were so incredibly supportive. Such a genuine, kindhearted, wonderful human being. I am deeply saddened by your loss, and I’ll miss you forever. Rest In Peace.
I have the fondest memories of Karen from treating Spencer and I to yummy homemade lunches in grade school, fireworks in the court during holidays, to the best-ever days spent at the water-park with the whole gang. Karen always brought her bubbly energy wherever she went and made a lasting impact. Spencer, Laura and family, so sorry for your loss.
I am forever grateful to Karen. She treated me like a second son and would make every effort to make sure Spencer and I had the best time by fully supporting and embracing our interests, hobbies, and shenanigans. From taking us to the driving range, to seemingly random places to get autographs, to being an accomplice to our many pranks – she was a real one. Such a bright, warm, caring and genuine person, she will be dearly missed.
I am so very sad to hear of Karen’s passing way too soon in life. Although we had not seen each other much lately I have very fond memories of our special friendship. Much love especially to Laura and Spencer at this very difficult time.
Heather Emerson
I am so sad to hear of Karen’s passing.
I’ll always remember her happy smile and love for nature. Our thoughts are with you ❤️
Mike, Laura, and Spencer. I’m so sorry for your loss. Karen was a beautiful, kind, fun, gracious women. So blessed to have been her friend.
Liz and Bob
I am saddened by the news. I worked with this lovely kind souls for several years at Sheridan Nurseries. Her talk of her kids and grandchildren was the most she talked about and her dear Mike. You are in a very special place ❤️
Yes, such a sweet Lady! I cannot believe she is gone!
I have only fond memories of working with her at Sheridan Nurseries.
Rest in Peace
Jennifer Mark
Such a gentle soul. Our deepest condolences.
Mary Canonico