Obituary
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Nicole Hoekenga-Russo
March 4, 2008
I spent most of my junior riding career in the 80's & 90's with Carla and Shelly and I would not have traded it for anything. I was also very lucky to own one of her "made" mounts Alabama. I still remember Shelly teaching me to needlepoint at the countless horse shows we attended. It was great to see her last summer with my two toddlers in tow at Fairfield - she still had that big, beautiful smile and wonderful personality! I know she is having fun in heaven with all those beloved equines that have gone before her. She is jumping her heart out! Love and prayers to Shelly's family, Carla, Heather and everyone at Buttonwood.
Joy Dunn
February 4, 2008
I just picked up the latest Chronicle and was very saddened and shocked to say the least, to read of Michele's death. She and I rode for years together in the Adult divisions...I always looked forward to seeing the next new horse she'd bring along. She had a great way with all the ones she partnered with. Her horses loved her accurate, kind ways. I am truly very sad for all her friends and family and extend my deepest sympathy to all who shared her life. Her animals and her friends will really miss her!
Joy Dunn
Petra Wiederhorn
February 2, 2008
I don't think I ever went to a horse show at Old Salem or Fairfield where Shelly wasn't there. I use to watch her in awe because of the intensity with which she rode every class as though there was nothing else and always looking as though she was having the time of her life. Though I never met her personally, I always felt privileged to be riding in her company. My heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and animals.
Betsy Worthington
January 16, 2008
I met Shelley a looong time ago when I was riding against her in the A/O hunters..her horses were always her first priority and they were all top shelf. I am shocked and saddened by her passing. I couldnt believe it when MaryBeth told me about it @ Christmas time. Condolences to her family and of course her great friend Carla. I cant imagine your loss! Thoughts and prayers for Shelley and all who whose lives she touched.
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Erin Polatsek
January 9, 2008
I was crushed to hear of Shelly's death when I got the news on Christmas Eve. She and Carla took me under their wing in 1996 when I was frustrated with riding intercollegiate. From then, Shelly taught me about horsemanship, perseverance, and responsibilty. While grooming for her, I had endless opportunities to exercise her horses, and she even let me show George serveral times. My heart goes out to Carla, her family, and everyone at Buttonwood farm. She was vital to every day at Buttonwood - we always knew that she would answer our questions and give advice, even when she was "off duty".
Mary Beth Stark
January 8, 2008
Buttonwood Farm will never be the same without Shelley. I have never met anyone that worked so hard and was so dedicated to her sport. She will be missed
Melissa Salva
January 6, 2008
I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of my friend Shelly.I have the most wonderful memories of her and "kelly" her beloved corgy.Buttonwood Farm was my home and Shelly was always there for me, whether I needed a hand with horse expertise or a shoulder to cry on. I know her spirit will live on at Butonwood through all that loved her. Melissa
krista pulie
January 6, 2008
Shelly was also a very important person in my life. To get any sort of compliment from shelly just made my day. the barn will never be the same without her. the other day i went, it felt so empty without her there and to see her horses there waiting for her to step out of the barn to see them is so hard to watch. you will always be in my heart shelly.
Barbara Spizzirro
January 4, 2008
Shelly....the ultimate competitor. With an incredible work ethic and sincere love of her animals, these things made her stand out time and time again. Shelly I will miss you. May you find heaven filled with horses!
MaryKate Dillon
January 4, 2008
I was so saddened to hear the news about Shelly from my dad back in CT. As a junior rider riding with Carla and later at the Hunt Club I looked up to Shelly. She had a special spirit and way with horses. She impacted the lives of all those she touched.
Jodi & Hal Levine
January 3, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult of times
jay sargent
January 2, 2008
Shelly will be sorely missed by all. What stands out most was her true love of the horses. It wasn't the many riboons she won it was her love of the horses and the process that made her so special in our show world.
It just won't seem right to arrive at a Ct show and not see Shelly decked out in purple holding another diamond in the rough.
Rachel Klahr
January 2, 2008
Shelly was a regular at my barn, helping to train and ride ponies. I remember watching her ride George,Riley, and Artie and was amazed at the gift she had when it came to horses. Every show I went to, shelly was there and I loved watching her on the back of a horse, she truly made it look easy!She was such a wonderful lady, and will be missed.
Samantha Oberlander
January 1, 2008
Shelly was not only a friend to me but a mentor. She taught me many of the things I know, and took me under her wing. She looked after me and always made sure that i was alright. There is not much else i can say because I had only known her for a little over a year. But she was special to me and she will always have a place in my heart.
Deanie Humphrys-Dunne
January 1, 2008
Our family is very sad to hear of the passing of Shelly. She began her riding career instructed by my dad,Lloyd Humphrys. We know how much she loved riding and that the pursuit of excellence in equitation brought her much joy. She will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Andrea DeMarco
January 1, 2008
We've lost a fine person, a horsewoman who took no shortcuts, and a lover of animals. Shelly will be sorely missed.
Audrey L. D. Petschek
January 1, 2008
Shelly's passing is both a shock and a great loss. I grew up riding and have known Shelly for what seems like most of my life. She was always there with a friendly smile and a kind and supportive word and I felt at home wherever I was showing, if she was there. She brought positive energy and rode each round as if it were a new experience instead of something she had done a hundred thousand times before. Each horse excited her and she was always eager to share her enthusiasm. She was always supportive of my riding and my horses and I got to compete along with, as well as against her, and even judge her at local shows. She and Carla used to needlepoint between classes and I admired how she made positive use of even those wasted "hurry up and wait" hours at horseshows. She lived every moment of her life, always looking for the next thing to do, always taking the time to be nice to everyone. We should all be so lucky in life to have the kind of friends who know us so well and love us so much; that obituary is the best. What a tribute; it speaks volumes about how she touched the lives of those around her. Hugs to all who loved her most, even that little incessantly barking fuzzy caterpillar Corgi, Jenny, who was her shadow. I will miss her very much.
Peter and Barbara Wodtke
December 31, 2007
Dear Sissy, Henry, John and Jody,
We are thinking of you with all our hearts and share your sadness. 
Peter and Barbara Wodtke
Pamela Weiss
December 30, 2007
I had the honor of knowing Shelly for over a dozen years. She was always there to help, to organize, to commiserate and to laugh. She had a wonderful sense of humour. I will miss her dearly. My thoughts are with all of those whose life she touched and whom I know will miss her as dearly as I.
paul and marie Foohey
December 30, 2007
Michelle was an avid participant at our horse shows for many years. She was forevever complimenting my daughter on training her own horse to numerous championships and awards. She was like that, allways thinkiing of the best in others and telling them-thanks shelly-Paul and marie foohey
Siobhan McGowan DeLancey
December 29, 2007
I remember riding with Shelly in the Adult Eq in the late 80s. She was the consummate horsewoman, always devoted to the sport and to her equine partners. The horse world has lost a truly special light. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Nicole Simkins
December 29, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Waiming Tam
December 28, 2007
Dear Sissy, Henry, John and family,
Our thoughts are with you.
Lois Hoffman and Waiming Tam
David and Lydia Pintsov (Straus-Edwards)
December 28, 2007
Sissy, Henry, John and family,
Our hearts are with you at this sad time.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

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