Mary Shelley

Mary Virginia Shelley (n e McDonnell), a vibrant soul of the Las Vegas gaming scene, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, surrounded by her family. Mary lived for 84 years.
Born in New York, Mary moved to Las Vegas in 1962 and soon after entered the city's burgeoning casino scene. Her long and distinguished career began in 1966 at The Mint in downtown Las Vegas where she worked in cocktails. Mary moved to table games in 1970 at Circus Circus. Mary then went on to work at the original MGM, where she dealt until the fire of 1980. She then moved back downtown to The Golden Nugget. In 1989, Mary was part of the opening team for The Mirage, where she dedicated over 30 years of her life until her well-deserved retirement.
Mary truly loved her work and the countless people she met "on the table." Over the years, she brightened the lives of many with her infectious laugh, great sense of humor, and magnificent smile. Players from all over the globe sought out her table, drawn by her warm personality and professionalism, making their visit to Las Vegas memorable.
Mary is lovingly survived by her two devoted sons, Tom Shelley of Henderson, NV and Edward Shelley of Reno, NV; two grandchildren, Rachel Smith of Boulder City, NV and Thomas Shelley of Henderson, NV; her brother, John McDonnell of Las Vegas, NV; and sister, Pat Fellmann of Massachusetts. Mary leaves many nieces, nephews, and cousins who reside in Las Vegas and the Eastern U.S.