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.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later time.
Digital Guestbook
Bill Gard
Grant Ralph
Very sorry for your loss and the long struggle with her illness.
Chris Mitchell
So very sorry to hear the news. Shelley was a wonderful person and bright spark in what can sometimes be a less than friendly world. She will be missed, I know by your family but also the much larger Sea Logistics community. Rest in Peace.
Mary-Jean Harris
Dear Ryan,
I am very sorry to hear about your mother, and although I did not know her, I saw your tireless devotion and love for her and I wanted to express my condolences to you and your grandparents. Reading her obituary, she was certainly an inspirational woman and you must be proud to call yourself her son.
Warmly,
Mary-Jean
John Olsen
To Shelley's family: Janet and I were so very saddened to hear of the news of Shelley's passing. She and I worked together on a couple of occasions during our careers. She was a very smart, motivated and dedicated officer who could be counted on to do her very best no matter the immensity of the task. When it was time to relax, I will always remember her hearty laugh and razor-sharp wit. A very loving mother and outstanding professional, she will be dearly missed. Please accept our most sincere condolences.
Jack Cruickshank
I was greatly saddened to hear this news. I am fortunate to have known Shelley as a colleague at NDHQ Ottawa. She was the consummate professional, she was intelligent, she was funny. But mostly, she was kind.
Sherrie Larsen
Dear Esther Dave and Ryan,
As so evident by other messages of condolence, Shelley was a well-respected colleague.
She brightened many a room with her wit and charm, her intelligence and compassion and her articulate, eloquent manner of speaking were all gifts which she adorned.
She was a treasured and loyal friend whom I was fortunate to cross my life’s path with. She will never be forgotten.
Such a great loss could never be comforted by so few words but may they help in some small way to ease your sorrow. My thoughts are with you.
Karen Hough
Dear Aunt Esther, Uncle Dave, and Ryan,
I am so sorry for your loss. I looked up to Shelley as a little girl, then as a teenager, then as an adult. I admired her greatly—she was kind and so funny (you know that I love a smart-ass!). I am glad that Shelley is now at peace.
Love,
Karen and family
Gary & Kathy Gottlieb
Dear Cousin Shelly, you've had a tough road . May God bless you and keep you .
Evening Dave, my condolences to you and your family members on the loss of your daughter Shelley. We lost a son in 2020 at age 48 in Moncton, NB.