In Loving Memory of Shelley:

In the depths of our hearts, we hold cherished memories of Shelley, a remarkable soul who left this world far too soon. Shelley's presence was like a ray of sunshine, radiating warmth, kindness, and an unwavering spirit. It is with heavy hearts that we gather to honor her memory and celebrate a life that touched so many.

Shelley's sweetness was unmatched, and her genuine care for others knew no bounds. Whether it was a comforting word, a helping hand, or a contagious smile, she had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued. Her compassion knew no limits, and her ability to bring joy to those around her was a gift that brightened our lives.

Her greatness extended far beyond her kindness. Shelley's determination and resilience were awe-inspiring. She faced challenges with unwavering strength, never losing sight of her dreams. Her accomplishments, both big and small, were a testament to her tenacity and unwavering spirit.

As we remember Shelley, let us hold onto the moments we shared, the laughter we enjoyed, and the love she bestowed upon us. Though her physical presence may be gone, her spirit lives on in our hearts, serving as a constant reminder of the impact she made on our lives.

May Shelley's memory inspire us to be as compassionate, as determined, and as loving as she was. Let us honor her by embracing life's joys, supporting one another, and spreading the kindness she embodied.

Shelley, you were taken from us far too soon, but your legacy will forever be etched in our hearts. Rest in peace, dear friend, knowing that your light will continue to shine brightly within us all.

Juan Pablo  (JP) Peña-Rosas (he, him, his)

Dear Dominic and family

I am glad I had the privilege to meet Shelly while you first moved to Geneva and she offered her time as volunteer at the World Health Organization. It was a blessing to work with her identifying what was a guideline or a recommendation from previous supplements of Food and Nutrition and from WHO documents. She was so sweet and I remember her good manner and dedication.  It was great to be able to have her as part time consultant later when she was pregnant. God bless her soul. I send you all my love in her memory.  I miss her and you too. JP

Dear Dominic, family and friends
I send you all my condolences as I learned about this news only this past weekend,. I remember Shelly as a sweet colleague and friend. She did an excellent work during her time as a volunteer at the World Health Organization under my supervision and later as a consultant. Her irk primarily identified what was a guideline and what was a statement to be able to prioritize the normative work back in 2008-2009. I remember her with love and will be always thankful for her contributions to the global health and also for her friendship and colleagial work in the Micronutrient  unit. Rest In Peace Shelly. Love to all! JP

We are so deeply saddened to hear of Shelly passing.  I remember visiting Dominic and Shelly in Brooklyn many years ago . It was a fun trip and wonderful to spend time together . I will always remember Shelly ‘s warmth and gentleness and their collection of a million books.  Hoping that many happy memories will lead to smiles through the tears .  

I would like to extend my sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to the McKenna and Schofield family. I was a colleague of Shelly's at CICan and although I didn't get the opportunity to work closely with Shelly, we were part of the same International Division and I remember Shelly very fondly, always so friendly and kind to everyone, with a big smile. I always enjoyed speaking with her. On October 25th, we had an International Division retreat at the Rideau Sports Centre and I had the privilege of sitting across from Shelly at lunch, so had the pleasure of being able to have a very nice conversation with her, sharing stories about our kids,  not knowing of course that her life would be cut so short, so unexpectedly.  Sending my love, thoughts and prayers. Shelly will be fondly remembered and will be missed at CICan. 

I have such beautiful memories of my cousin Shelly at many family gatherings when we were kids.  Sending my love and condolences to Dominic, Matthew, Grace, Heather (and family),  Aunt Joann and Uncle Kenny.

Shelly, Dominic, Matthew  and Gracie we met when our kids were in imagine day care while they were living in Brooklyn.  Wonderful family and we had many happy memories hanging out together. Shelly was a wonderful person and wonderful mother. We would host birthday parties for our kids in Brooklyn and the entire family were always there. When they movies to Canada we continued our friendships and they would come from Canada to NY and pop in and say hello or suprise us and turn up for our kids parties. Shelly will be truly missed by all the Brockies. God bless Shelly and her wonderful family x 

We are incredibly sad to hear the news of Shelly's passing.  I met Shelly when we worked together at WHO  - the work was brief but the friendship was long-lasting.  I remember her as a hard worker that was always with a smile and quick with laughter to brighten any day. I loved it when Dominic, Shelly, Matthew and Grace would transit through Geneva on their travels and we could catch up. You all have always been in our hearts and will remain so. I will always remember Shelly's kindness, strength, and easy going nature. I feel privileged to have known Shelly during her life that was cut way too short here on earth.  Sending much love to Dominic, Matthew, Grace and all the family and friends touched by Shelly.

Moved by dramatic landscapes, majestic animals, delicious food, brilliant music, dance and visual arts, and the power of hope, one of Shelly's favourite places on Earth was South Africa. This photo was taken en route to Durban from Joburg during our second visit to the country.  We had planned to return many more times.

Today we met as a team to celebrate our memories of Shelly, our extraordinary colleague. She has been an integral part of our team for the past 6 years and a dear friend to many of us at CICan. She was a generous colleague, both in spirit and time, while working with the Caribbean and Anglophone Africa team on programs such as our Kenya Education for Employment Program, through which we developed or enhanced competency-based programs in the agriculture and energy sectors in order to increase employment and economic development opportunities for Kenyan youth, or our Skills to Access the Green Economy Program helping Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, and St. Lucia become more resilient by supporting technical and vocational education training in key sectors associated with climate change and by creating opportunities for adolescent girls and women, youth and vulnerable groups to get such training.

Today will not be the last of the tears shed together, but Shelly’s bright light will remain a part of CICan forever. We are sending our deepest condolences to Dominic, Matthew, Grace and all those who loved her. This was the final note in our virtual remembrance: “An angel with a beautiful smile has sadly left us. We will miss you Shelly”. 


Rest well, Shelly.
To the Schofields and the McKennas, I wish you neverending peace as you grieve your loved one.
Isabel Wanjui (CICan - Nairobi, Kenya office)

Dear Dominic,
When you left GAIN Geneva to move to the US office, I was trying to support you as well as possible. I remember one time trying to schedule a call for you, with an early start in the US: you said to me “I am sorry Sonia, but if I take a call that early, this is not fair on Shelly as she would then be on her own to get the children ready”. This shows how much respect and love you had for her. I am really sorry for your loss and really feel for you, Grace and Matthew. Time will somehow heal your pain, but this will take time. Look after yourself and your family. Sonia Perrier


A lovely memory, visiting with Shelly and Dominic in New York, during a rare snow storm in 2007.

Dominic, Matthew and Gracie.  
How fortunate am I, Al, and Tessa to have met Shelly and all of you. 
 Audrey may not remember, but we've shared many a story now.  The stars were aligned when the Imagine Crew came together.  How many laughs did we have?   Potluck major scene parties at Imagine, trick-or-treating, pirate-ship park, who wants (doesn't want) to be the monster, and our weekend children's birthday parties that ended way too late.  Shelly will forever be a part of our crew, and the shenanigans.   Our immediate and genuine liking for each other turned into lasting and loving friendships.  To hear Gracie, Tessa and Lily blabbering away on FaceTime the other day (for hours) made me so happy.  She's beautiful.  I can see and hear Shelly in her.  
We are sending warm love and smothering hugs from Brooklyn, Karen, Al, Tessa and Audrey 

It is with heavy hearts that the Nutrition International family (formerly Micronutrient Initiative) mourns the passing of former colleague and friend Shelly McKenna. 

Shelly joined MI in the early 2000s to support the global vitamin A capsule program. Shelly was committed to nutrition and child survival, and was instrumental in supporting the vitamin A capsule procurement and data tracking systems, many of which are still in use today. Shelly was a relentlessly kind and generous colleague, and treasured by those who worked with her.

We express our sincerest condolences to Shelly’s life partner, Dominic, children, and extended family.

During a school trip at the age of 16, Shelly decided that one day she would live in NYC. Immediately after we married in October 2006, we moved to Alphabet City.  This began our decade long adventure where we developed wonderful friendships, and got very good at moving homes (8 times!) on 2 continents, before returning with Matthew, Grace and beloved Petra to Ottawa.

Dear Dom, I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending deepest condolences and love to you and your beautiful family, and praying God's peace and comfort over you all.  Sincerely, Lara

Dear Dominic, Matthew and Grace-

My deepest condolences. I remember Shelly's smiling face when she would pick up Matthew and Grace from the Peacock room at Imagine DUMBO.  I am sending you strength during this difficult time. Your family is in my thoughts.

From, Annie (Matthew and Grace's former preschool teacher)

Dear Dominic, Matthew and Grace,

I am so sorry to learn of the loss of Shelly, one of the warmest, sweetest, kindest moms we knew at Imagine Dumbo.  I pray that you find peace during this time and going forward.  

Sincerely,
Caroline M

Dear Dom
No words can lessen your pain but I hope that knowing that friends across the globe are holding you all in prayer will give you some strength at this time. I never met your wife but it was always clear how much she meant to you and how much you all meant to her. 

Dear Dominic, my deepest sympathies to you and your children during this difficult time. I will have a requiem mass said for Shelly as she Rest In Peace.
Your friend
Lorenzo

Dear Dominic and family, my sincere condolences with the loss of Shelly. I am shocked by this news. I know Shelly through Dominic as a kind and gentle person.  She was a backbone to the family, caring, loving, so gracious.  I often wondered how does she do that? She is also known for her work in nutrition and were colleagues when working at Unicef. 
I wish you all strength in these difficult times... my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sending love and strength to Dominic, the children and her whole family. My deepest condolences. Leigh Ann Wayland 

I’m so devastated and saddened by Shelly’s sudden passing.  She was such a kind, warmhearted, and gentle soul - she will be missed terribly.  Over the years, the cousins had so many wonderful times at the various cottages and homes - so many happy memories at parties to cherish.  Sending all of you my deepest condolences and love.


Perhaps the most common capture of Shelly in motion, in the various cities that we've lived in over the last decade, or so - - Scooting the kids to the next adventure.

Where a couple turned into a family: On a visit to Switzerland, where the kids were born... And the only place they'll eat cheese.

Dear Dominic and Family, 

Our entire team is saddened to hear about Shelly's passing. We are terribly sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. In honour of Shelly, we have donated to the Ottawa Hospital's Cancer Research. 

Many blessings from all of us at PIC.


I worked with Shelly on the Anglophone Africa and Caribbean team for several years. She was an outstanding colleague, always ready to help teammates. My last minute request on an insurance matter or a report preparation, no problem - Shelly was somehow able to help, even with her busy workload.  I still remember her long and detailed lists of "to do" items, her beautiful handwriting and how she highlighting of completed items. She was graceful and focused in her work. We often chatted about the challenges of parenting, it was so clear to me that she adored her children and her husband.  My heartfelt condolences to Shelly's family, to you Dominic and your children.  Shelly will be deeply missed by her CICan family too. 

So saddened to hear of this news. Sending you my deepest condolences, so sorry for your loss. Sending love!  

Dear Dominic and family. Please accept my sincere condolences for your devastating loss.  Shelly was a wonderful colleague. She was very respectful and appreciative of others and  a true team player. She  brought a positive approach to all that she did and showed great professionalism, resolve and intellect. Shelly brought so much to our team and to our work.   I miss her dearly.

I don’t think there are any words to express my sorrow for your loss; it is such devastating news. Shelly was the most kind and warmhearted person with a beautiful soul.  She was always full of smiles and always quick to laugh. Her love for her family was evident every time we spoke.  
May her memories help you and your family find peace. 

Dear Dominic and family, 
We are heartbroken for your family. Shelly was the kindest, gentlest soul and a wonderful mom. We were so fortunate to share stories (and wine) over the back fence for so many years. We are thinking of you and wishing you strength and peace. 
With love from Holly, Paul, Claire & Alex.

My condolences to you and the family. I am sadden by the death of Shelly. Praying for you and the family.



Watching the tomatoes grow in the garden with her real best friend.

I met Shelly more than 5 years ago when she came to work at CICan as part of our international team. Over the years, we shared a lot of laughs and a few tears. I will always cherish the times we've worked to solve project challenges and her willingness to always help whenever she can. She had this big smile that tells you 'it's going to be okay'. She was always there for the team.  A great colleague and friend. A loving mother who was so proud and devoted to her kids. 

I will miss you Shelly! May your soul rest in peace. 

I had the good fortune to be able to work closely with Shelly the last few months, when we both joined the same team.  Shelly had this unique ability to stay cool and calm during stressful times and made everything look easy and doable. She always had a smile on her face. Due to remote working, we only met in person once. It was really good to spend time with her that day. She was a generous, kind soul and I pray that she rests in eternal peace and that her family has the courage to bear this great loss. Amen.

Shelly, it is sad news that you are not with us.  You were a great colleague. Always going out of your way to help. May you rest in eternal peace. 
Dominic, Matthew, Grace, and the entire Shelly’s family - I cannot imagine the depth of grief you are feeling at the loss of Shelly. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Please receive my sincere condolences.


Dear Dominic,
We are shocked by the sudden passing of Shelly.  A loving mother, Shelly’s spirit lives on in Matthew and Grace. We remember Shelly’s quiet roar cheering at hockey games. We have seen Shelly’s loving support that she gave you and the kids make life that much better. We will always remember Shelly. 
Nick and Catherine 

I am so so saddened by this news of my colleague and friend Shelly, if there was anyone with the sprit and determination to make it trough any challenge it was Shelly.   I will miss laughing off our work stress, our mom chats and working out in the Chateau Laurier fitness center. You will be so greatly missed but never forgotten Shelly.

Shelly, I cannot believe this news, I want to wake up tomorrow and see it as a dream. When we were setting up the Kenya office for the KEFEP project; you held my hand and taught me the 'little' yet big hacks in handling administration work the CICAN way. I am so broken because you were one of the gentle spirits that smiled even through an email..........Thank you for every joy you brought me while working with you.

Of all the wonderful memories I have of Shelly, I decided to share this one. It's one of the most fun, and a memory from the early months our friendship. Helene, Shelly and I were truly the three musketeers of MI for a while, spending countless lunches at our beloved Japanese Village, laughing and leaning on each other through the ups and downs of work and life -- Shelly and Dominic falling in love,  the latest antics on the Bachelor, whatever 20something drama we had going on. Nearly 20 years later, we were working together again, laughing and leaning on each other through a whole other level of life's ups and downs. Shelly was truly the loveliest, steadiest soul (with the exact right amount of spice) I have ever known. I will miss her always, grateful for the memories I have and just wishing there could be more. Love you Shelly, our (Charlie's) angel. 

Dear Dominic, I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Shelly. Such a beautiful soul. Both Michel and I send our love and wish you strength and courage during this very difficult time. Tanya

Dear Dominic,
t is with deep sadness that I heard about the passing of Shelly. My heart goes out to you and your children in this most difficult time. 
While nothing can fill the gap left by the person you love, may the beautiful memories you have with her be a source of comfort and peace for you and your family. 
It has been a pleasure to know and work with Shelly during my time at the MI. She was such a pleasant, honest and kind person. She will be truly missed. 

May her beautiful soul rest in peace.
Sincerely, 
France 

I was deeply shocked and saddened by the news, and  my heartfelt sympathy goes out to Dominic and all of Shelly's family and friends.  

At work, she was an integral part of the child survival team at the Micronutrient Initiative, and happily gave her all to help save young lives across the world. Shelly was always such a bright cheerful and positive person, always keen to help others.  Her excitement and enthusiasm for her many loves in life was infectious and always made us smile.   

She will be so sorely missed.  

Christmas - Shelly with us - joyful memory

Our radiant Shelly brightened our most beautiful Christmas a few weeks ago.
It was a celebration of LIFE in so many respects. She is engraved in our hearts. 
May you rest in peace Shelly -   Love never dies.

Your mother and father-in-law
Polly and Mark

OBITUARY

Shelly Anne McKenna

September 25, 1978 – December 30, 2021

McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home & Chapel

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