Shelley Dawn Stienstra

June 8, 1958 - April 11, 2018

With deep sadness, Shelley’s partner of 32 years, Lorraine Behnan, shares word of her passing which occurred at home in Ancaster, Ontario. She was the daughter of Wilma Stienstra and the late Albert Stienstra.

If a life well-lived can be measured by the love and respect of family, friends and colleagues, Shelley lived well indeed. Everyone will remember Shelley in their own way: many as a loyal friend and neighbour, both in the city and in her spiritual home of Muskoka;

some as the tremendous athlete in her youth or the avid golfer she grew into as a member of Glendale Golf and Country Club; some as a business leader and trustworthy workmate. Not least, she will be remembered always as an attentive and loving daughter, a sister and sister-in-law, and aunt.

Her successful business in event management, Tridura Productions, was built the old-fashioned way: with determination and sheer hard work. Her professional reputation was stellar and was based on the quality of her work, her integrity, her commitment to excellence and her rock-solid reliability. A few of her many accomplishments include event management of the 2010 G20 Toronto Summit at the Royal York, and the annual conventions of the Canadian Orthopaedic Association and the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada.

For eight years, Shelley faced breast cancer as she faced every other aspect of her life – quietly, bravely, and purposefully. It was neither war nor a battle, but a challenge which she met without complaint.

Shelley is survived by her loving partner, Lorraine Behnan. They had a deep understanding of each other, respectful and kind. They kept a happy, welcoming home which they loved to share with friends. They achieved a great balance of the practical and the imaginative.

Also left to miss and remember Shelley are her mother, Wilma of Gravenhurst, Ontario, her brothers Barry (Cathi) and Bryce (Michele) of Burlington, Ontario, and nieces and nephews Erin and Sean, and Katie, Janie and Kevin. Also loved by Andy Behnan (Anne) and nieces Kimberley (Peter and son Tye) and Kelley (Pierre).

There was much love surrounding Shelley always, and especially in the last weeks of her life. Lorraine would like to thank their wonderful friends and neighbours, Sue and Cary Letkemann, for daily attention and lovingly prepared meals. Thanks also to Shelley’s caregivers, the nurses and doctors (Gudelis, Tozer, Whitton) at Juravinski, Helen t’Hart (VON), and Anisha and Amy (PSWs) - their gentle compassion will never be forgotten. Thanks to Team Steinstra Toronto: Sharon Alton, Donna Walters and Clara Kisko. To Michelle Gagnon and Sandi Tait, Dorianne Rheaume and Susan Crowe, deep gratitude for their friendship and care in Shelley’s last days. Thanks, also, to friend Lisa Ayers of Hetherington and Deans Funeral Chapel for her respectful attention to the final steps in Shelley’s journey.

At Shelley’s request, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of Shelley’s life will be held on or close to her birthday of June 8th. Donations in Shelley’s memory can be made to the Victoria Order of Nurses (Hamilton Branch) www.von.ca or the ALS Society of Canada

www.als.ca.

“All that we love deeply becomes a part of us”

Helen Keller