Shelley Anne Marconi

With heavy hearts, we announce the tragic and untimely passing of Shelley Anne Marconi on July 15, 2025, at the age of 54. A beautiful human being — wife, sister, auntie, cousin, grandma, and friend — she touched the lives of many with her kindness and joy.

Shelley was born on August 26, 1970, in Thunder Bay, ON, to Linda and Richard Marconi. She lived a life full of compassion, strength, and grace. Her generosity, wit, and unwavering love touched everyone who knew her. She was beloved by all who were lucky enough to be a part of her life, and her absence leaves an ache that words cannot express.

Shelley was known for her warm and infectious smile and her vibrant personality. Always striving to better herself, Shelley believed deeply in personal growth and self-reflection. Recently, she celebrated a milestone achievement by completing her professional coaching certification — a proud moment she joyfully marked with her husband, Brent, in Toronto.

Shelley married her husband, Brent Foley – “lover” on New Year’s Eve in 2017 — a joyful celebration marking the beginning of their life together. In recent years, Shelley became a proud grandma to her stepdaughter Rachel’s sweet daughter, Blair. Nothing made her happier than visits with them; she was tickled pink the first time Blair called her “Grandma.”

For the past 10 years, Shelley served as the Human Resource Manager for the Ontario Native Women’s Association, passionately advocating for Indigenous women and fostering an open team culture where every voice was heard and respected. Guided by a strong moral compass and unwavering integrity, she earned the trust and admiration of colleagues and community alike. Shelley was especially proud to receive her Indian name, Magpie — a name that lovingly reflects her attraction to shiny things and her lively spirit, known for “squawking” with enthusiasm and warmth.

Shelley had a special love for all animals, especially her fur babies. She adored sweet Sammy and took such great care of him in his senior years. She leaves behind her four-legged sidekick, Ryder, to whom she was inseparable.

Shelley loved to have her hands in the dirt, spending many hours in her greenhouse nurturing her beautiful gardens. Close friends would drop in for a bevie, sharing laughter and stories among the blooms she so lovingly tended.

Shelley had a very special circle of friends. She could be found floating with a cocktail alongside Tan, Tasha, and Deb at the lake — these beautiful ladies shared countless laughs, travels, recipes, and perhaps a little lip-syncing too. Shelley met her sister-from-another-mister, Marnie, when the two became neighbours in Parkdale many years ago. They became, and will always remain, kindred spirits. She will be deeply missed by her lifelong friend, Renee Furlotte, who was part of Shelley’s best moments and messiest — always standing with Shelley with a deep understanding of who she really was, sharing honest conversations and so many memories. Their friendship was a testament to what real friendship looks like. Shelley also shared a deep bond with dear Christa and Luc. They were like a brother and sister to Shelley - often walking the fur babies at Chippawa Park and spending countless family dinners and occasions together.

Travel was one of Shelley’s great loves, and it was always her wish to continue checking items off her bucket list. She and Brent shared many adventures with family, most recently spending New Year’s in the Dominican Republic with the entire gang. Shelley’s next travel wish was to visit Italy—don’t worry, Shelley, I will take you there. Though she is no longer with us in person, she will forever be part of all future journeys and memories made wherever we go.

Shelley had a special gift for making everything more beautiful, much like her mother before her. She took every occasion and made it extra special with carefully planned touches and thoughtful extras that made those moments unforgettable. This gift extended to her home, which she carefully curated to be a beautiful space always filled with family and friends.

Shelley passed away exactly one year to the day after the passing of her cherished mother, Linda Anne Kotyk (Marconi-Maris), who died on July 15, 2024. It is a comfort to know that Shelley was welcomed in peace by her mother, reunited with her father, Richard Joseph Marconi, who passed in 2012, and embraced by their love.

She is survived by her husband, Brent Foley; her stepchildren and grandbaby, Blair; her beloved sister and best friend, Karen Marconi (Jim Thomson); and the apple of her eye, her nephew, Jack Pasciullo, whom she spoiled with those big auntie presents and loved talking to about all the shenanigans he was up to. Shelley also leaves behind her stepfather, Doug Kotyk, and the Foley family, who were near and dear to her heart. She is also survived by all of her aunties, uncles, cousins, colleagues, and numerous friends who loved her dearly.

A memorial service to celebrate Shelley’s life will be held (date and time will be announced - please check back for updates). Family and friends are invited to gather to honour her memory and celebrate the love she shared.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Shelley’s memory may be made to the Thunder Bay Humane Society.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Everest Funeral Chapel, 299 Waverley Street, at Algoma. Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com.

Though her life was far too brief, the love Shelley gave — and the legacy she leaves — will live on forever in the hearts of those she touched.

“A sister is your forever friend.”
— I love you, Lollie