Shelley Anne Lovett

After a hard fought battle with cancer, it is with great sadness we announce the recent passing of wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister (in-law), aunt, cousin, and dear friend, Shelley Anne Lovett on February 11, 2023.

Shelley leaves to mourn her husband Ron and daughters Olivia and Ryleigh Lovett of Portage La Prairie, Manitoba; grandmother Catherine Waytiuk of Oakbank, parents Cliff and Liz Waytiuk of East Selkirk, Manitoba; sister Christine (Bob Moroz) and niece Quinn, sister Susan Waytiuk of East Selkirk, Manitoba, and sisters-in-law Linda Lovett and Laurel Bailey and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family both near and far.

Shelley was born September 30, 1968 and grew up in the rural municipality of East Selkirk, Manitoba embracing the life one would expect as the daughter of vegetable farmers. She spoke fondly of her childhood on the farm and reminisced about days in the tractor, garden, and the vegetable stand called The Windmill just off Hwy 59.

After graduating from Lord Selkirk Regional High school in 1986, she attended University of Manitoba and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1990 her career path brought her to Portage La Prairie, Manitoba where she met and married Ron, her life partner of 27 years and raised her two amazing compassionate daughters Olivia and Ryleigh.

Shelley was known by all as a kind and gentle person. This was reflected in the work she did for 30 years supporting vulnerable people at the Manitoba Developmental Centre. While both quiet & private in her personal life, Shelley had a large social network and touched the lives of many. Coworkers, sports parents, school committee connections, and the community groups she volunteered with, all had the pleasure of knowing Shelley.

Shelley also had a fierce competitive side and whether it was cheering on the sidelines of her kids sporting events, engaging in an intense game of crib/dice at the campground or completing her own triathlon adventure in 2014, Shelley was “all in”! She enjoyed taking in the Portage Terrier games with Melinda (and family), watching curling, baseball, football and pretty much whatever sport Ron had on the TV and was even happy to be a spectator at her extended family/friends kids sporting events (hockey, ringette and volleyball to name a few).

In her spare time, Shelley could be found watching home renovation shows which kept her full of new project ideas for Ron to tackle. She had a special relationship with her dogs (Sami/Oreo), enjoyed the competition of Thursday night volleyball league, the challenge of a hard suduko puzzle and storytelling time around a campfire.

She loved the outdoors which manifested itself in joy of camping, gardening, bike riding, long walks and even cutting the grass. She enjoyed travel and embracing new adventures which included memorable trips for many to places like Germany; Mexico; Canadian National Parks and even Fargo for the baseball escapades and most recently a family trip to Victoria.  One of her favourite places to spend time though was on her front porch with a good book. She kept it simple!

Shelley will be greatly missed by her family and her lifelong friends: the ringette moms; camping group and supper club. The family would like to give a special thank you to these dear friends who drew close and formed a loving and protective circle around Shelley, especially these past few months when things got hard. We took great comfort knowing you were nearby.

Rest in peace our dear friend, you have made your mark here on Earth and others are better for having known you!

Cremation has taken place, Shelley’s life will be celebrated at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a cancer research charity of your choice or help purchase a legacy bench that will be dedicated in Shelley’s memory and placed at Birds Hill Park, cheques can be mailed c/o Christine Waytiuk (sister) Box 125 East Selkirk Manitoba R0E OMO.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com