Michelle Greenleaf

Michelle Lee "Shelly" Greenleaf (née Butler), 57, passed away on October 5, 2025, in Waterville, Maine, the city where she was born on September 13, 1968. Her life was a vibrant tapestry of dedication, resilience, and love-woven together by her deep commitment to family, her career, and the causes she held dear.
Shelly battled Cancer for 3 years bravely and with the same passion she lived her life. Upon realizing it was a battle that would ultimately take her life she shifted her focus into supporting the efforts combating the disease and help others with the disease in a true Lady warrior fashion!
Shelly graduated from high school and went on to earn an associate degree in Applied Science with honors from Kennebec Community College. Her academic achievements were a source of pride and laid the foundation for a remarkable 25-year career at Maine General. She served in various roles across both clinical and administrative departments-from clinical medical assistant to referrals coordinator, ultimately rising to the position of clinical IT analyst. Shelly took immense pride in the career she built through hard work and determination. She was known for her tireless efforts to improve systems and processes within the organization, always striving to make things better for patients and colleagues alike.
Family was at the heart of Shelly's world. She is lovingly remembered by her son Nate Greenleaf and his wife Monica, along with their children Landon, Isla, and Freya; her daughter Theresa Greenleaf and her partner Kevin, and their son Walker. She also leaves behind her father Richard Butler and stepmother Pat of Richmond, Maine; her mother Francis Dill of Belgrade, Maine; her sister Sarah Dill of Portland; brothers Jed and Joey along with their families; sister Jenny and her family; as well as many extended family members. Her partner Ron Oldfield brought immense joy into her life, along with his children Amber, Seth, and Chelsie.
She was predeceased by her husband Ricky Greenleaf and by her beloved grandparents.
Shelly's passions extended far beyond the workplace. A true lover of the outdoors, she found joy in camping trips, hunting excursions, fishing outings, and especially cherished day gatherings at camp with family. These moments were more than hobbies-they were expressions of how she connected with nature and those she loved.
Her compassion knew no bounds when it came to animals, especially dogs. A devoted animal advocate, Shelly would have opened her home to every creature in need if given the chance. Her soft spot for animals was matched only by her affection for children. She will be missed by her pups Rosey and Maggie and greeted by her Gunny in his usual fashion.
Shelly also enjoyed motorcycle rides and rallies alongside Ron-adventures that reflected both her free spirit and love for community. A proud supporter of veterans' organizations-motivated by the service of her son Nate, brothers Jed and Joey, and partner Ron-she stood firmly behind those who served their country.
A fierce believer in women supporting women, Shelly lived this value daily in both professional settings and personal relationships. She uplifted others with warmth-and just enough sass to keep things interesting. Her uplifting spirit could light up a room or bring it to laughter with a well-timed quip or rebellious grin.
Shelly's legacy is one of strength wrapped in kindness-a woman who worked hard, loved deeply, laughed loudly, stood firm in what she believed in, and never hesitated to speak up or lend a hand.
In her final few years shelly spent her time truly living her lift to the fullest, A true illustration of her free and fiery spirit, she let nothing hold her back. Some of her favorite times included many vacations and motorcycle trips with her beloved partner Ron to places she had never visited before, a trip to Key West with her sister Sarah and visits to the county spending quality time with her daughter Theresa, which most recently included being present for the birth of her Grandson Walker,
May Michelle "Shelly" Greenleaf's memory bring comfort to all who knew her-and may we carry forward the light she so generously shared with this world.
A celebration of life will take place on October 24th from 10 am to 3 pm at the Fairfield Community Center located at 61 Water Street, Fairfield Maine.
all are welcome to join to remember and celebrate Shelly's life.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate it if you considered a donation to one or both organizations in Shelly's name
Waterville Humane Society
100 Webb Road, Waterville Maine 04901
https://www.hswa.org/
Harold Alfond Cancer Center (Maine General Hospital)
P.O. box 828 Waterville, Maine 04903
https//give.mainegeneral.org/Waystogivememorialandtribute