Michele Chartier Heft

Michele "Shelly" Chartier Heft, also lovingly known as "Nana",72, of Windsor, CT, entered into eternal rest peacefully at home with her husband and her dog Ziggy on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. Daughter of the late Raymond Gerard and Evelyn Muriel (McDonnell) Chartier, Shelly was born in Hartford, CT, on January 4, 1951.
Shelly is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Donald Heft; her three stepdaughters, Lindsay Hartzog, Stephanie Rose and her husband Nick, Alley Fantasia and her wife Danielle, as well as her nieces Kalie Chartier, Jennie Meere and husband Brian, who were like children to her; grandchildren Alyssa and Gavin Hartzog, Sam, Nicky, Cammie and Kendall Rose, Kai and Levi Fantasia. Her siblings, Sandy Moore and her husband Robie, Dennis Chartier and his wife Elaine, and Scott Chartier and his wife Nella; as well as her great nephew Nate, and great niece Kayla with whom she shared a special relationship, and great-grand niece Violet. She also leaves many loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Besides her parents, Shelly was predeceased by her brother, James "Jimmy" Chartier.
She graduated from Manchester High, where she excelled in her business courses, leading her to a career with Royal Typewriter for many years. She ended her career, where she spent 20 years, at the Support Enforcement Division for the State of Connecticut.
Some of the things that brought great joy to Shelly include going to her monthly nail visits with Kalie and Kayla, years of "family nights", watching the birds, and snuggling on the couch with her many rescues over the years. You would always see a huge smile on her face while watching her grandchildren play. She will be fondly remembered by her friends and family for her generosity and faith, as well as her strong will and tenacity. She was a true force to be reckoned with and shared those beautiful traits with the world.
Family and friends may call on the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 W. Center St. in Manchester, on Thursday, January 11th, from 10am to 12pm, with a funeral home service to take place at 12pm. Burial will immediately follow at East Cemetery in Manchester.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude, or the World Wildlife Fund.