Sincere condolences to Mark, Shelly’s children, her sisters, and extended family. Shelly and I were high school classmates. It was clear even when she was a teen that she was exceptionally gifted- smart, articulate, an exceptional writer. Many good memories of our friendship. Peers and even teachers mixed us up- I put “Shelly’s twin” under my yearbook photo. No way was I as talented as she was! So glad we were able to reconnect last summer at an informal 50th class reunion.
Anne Nesteruk Schafer
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I’m so sorry for your loss. Shelly was a truly pivotal person in my life. I met her at the National Oral Health Conference in 2006, and that chance meeting turned into working together for six years at NASHP and Pew, and my continuing career in oral health. Meeting Shelly changed the trajectory of my life, and I will always be grateful. My deep condolences to the family.
2
My heart hurts over your and your family's loss, dear Alex. Your mom was one of a kind. A true gift. So devoted toward our School. And so very very kind to me.
Our time being in touch, she and I, was brief, and no less exquisite.
Whenever Shelly reached out, there was important work to do! Her enthusiasm for everything and everyone she touched. Her belief in the magic of working together.
And her beautiful love and pride toward her children & her family.
I remember how I was already all aglow with your brilliance, your work, the optimism we shared toward public policy. When I met your mom - our esteemed predecessor in the MPP world - it all suddenly made sense somehow.
We'll never forget Shelly. Here for you, Alex - sending you all the big Goldman love.
1
This is such a huge and shocking loss. Shelly taught me much in the years since I met her as a fellow coach. As we compared stories of our own shifts from purely linear thinking and intellect to adopting a broader awareness and mindset, I was immediately drawn to her warmth and enormous capacity to see things from others' perspectives. She was an incredibly gracious colleague--exceptionally intelligent, attentive to community, focused on problem-solving--and with a wonderful sense of humor. She often shared fond stories of Mark, Alex, and Hannah, clearly reflecting her great love for them all and vice versa. My thoughts are with you. She will be greatly missed.
1
The world has lost a beautiful light. Shelly gave so much to this world. She will always be remembered for her joyous spirit, curious nature and warm heart. She adored by children and always took the time to make them feel individually special. As a mother, Shelly encouraged me to see my children in a new light through her eyes. Her curious nature made you feel seen and every conversation left me feeling inspired, certain I could accomplish more. She is greatly missed.
My sincere condolences to Mark, Alex, Hannah and all those who loved Shelly.
1
I met Shelly at a conference in Chicago in the early 1990’s. Across the years and the miles we maintained an incredibly wonderful friendship. She was such an inspiration and I loved her dearly. It is hard for me to imagine a world without Shelly. All my love to Mark, Alex and Hannah.
In response to "What always reminds you of Shelly?"
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One of many trips to Honduras where we helped start a women's sewing co-op, built classrooms, planted trees on mountains, taught children, and had a wonderful time together. Bonded forever!!
2
2006, Pulhapanzak Falls, Lago de Yojoa, Honduras
Adventure, exhaustion, service, community in Honduras
— with
Shelly, Beth, Sharon, Sheryl, Lori
2
Ahhh, my heart is filled with sadness and deep respect as I write this note in hopes of sharing what Shelly meant to me! While we met through the Consulting Women's coaching CoP a year or so before Covid, it was an honor to have Shelly as a supervisory coach when I needed to renew accreditation. Her style was thought provoking, she provided space to go as deep as needed while maintaining guardrails of aligning with coaching competencies! I appreciated Shelly's structure and was delighted when I said something that would make her laugh out loud! Talk about modeling integrity and compassion, two characteristics that created her legacy! I'll miss her and send her family healing energy to get through this difficult time. May Shelly be at peace, her life was well lived!
1
My path has not crossed with Shelly in many years, but I will always remember and be grateful for the support she gave NH while at Pew not only to those of us working hard to make oral health an important part of overall health but for the people especially children in NH who so desperately needed a change in policy priorities in our state. Her investment and strategic instinct to show up in the well known pub across from the NH Statehouse where deals are famously made made a difference. Her positive and knwoledgale leadership to build a national philanthropic oral health group to collaboratively make change had national impact. On a personal note, I always enjoyed seeing her at health and philanthropic meetings as she was not only a colleague but a friend. I regret we never took that kayak paddle in NH together. I'll think of her this summer when I am on a lake on a beautiful NH day.
2
I first met Shelly when she was at NCSL. We became collaborative colleagues and long distance friends, meeting for lunch on my trips to DC. So it was easy when I moved here to think we had been and would be friends forever.
She made sure I was included in her life – dinner parties, birthdays, walks, whatever. I remember one celebration, wandering around the house with a post-it note on my back (thank you Alex!), as she encouraged her guests to meet each other and break the ice. Always great food, interesting people and lots of laughter. And of course, pie!
The last time we lunched, she getting ready for her trip to Belize. She told me she was ready to kick back and planned to join Mark in retirement before too long. As we got up to leave, I admired her linen and lace handkerchief. Two days later, I received one from her collection in the mail. Practical, whimsical, a perfect gift from a dear friend.
Sending so much love to Mark and Alex and Hannah.
4
Sincerest condolences to Shelly's loving family and friends. My memories of Shelly recall a happy childhood, playing simple games in the yard, fabricating stories of witches in the woods, and endless card tournaments at the pool. Always smiling, always sharing, always kind.....a portent of an amazing woman. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
0
2007, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA
We all had the most wonderful cabin in Cape Cod!
1
Shelly brought so much joy to the world. We worked together closely at the Pew Charitable Trusts as she ran our dental campaigns and our friendship continued in the years that followed. We met every few months for lunches throughout my two years of rambling after leaving Pew and once I returned. She was always fully present -- taking time to deeply inquire into the latest joys and challenges in my life and sharing hers. She also was always ebullient with a smile that lit up the world. It is so hard to think of the world deprived of that light but I know that it continues on through all she touched so deeply especially Mark and her children where her love brimmed over. While I will be on the way to Chile at the time of the memorial, I will be with you in spirit and will carry Shelly with me always.
Oh and those PIES!
4
2017, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA
Biking with Shelly. Wonderful day!
2
Shelly was an incredibly kind woman, and who was always fundamentally interested in you, and what was happening in your life.
I am so deeply thankful to have spent a wonderful week in Colorado with them over Christmas - despite Alex forgetting that none of us were acclimatised to the altitude of Denver, and then taking us up another 3000 feet (It did not end well for me...) but my favourite memory from that week was that she made me cookies because I said in passing that my mum wasn't much of a baker - and I just loved her for it.
She was always in your corner, and I will miss her immensly, and we are sending all of love to Mark, Hannah, and Alex.
Louise and Cam
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