Shelley Rae McGregor

Born in Lincoln, Nebraska on April 22, 1967 and raised in Wilmette, Shelley was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend.

Some people are bright and beautiful with a special kind of light. The kind that shines on other people and warms them. The kind that helps others feel welcome. Shelley was a person like that. From the time she was a little girl, Shelley’s inclination to care was evident. And later, she built a life around it, choosing to enter the nursing profession, graduating from St. Francis Nursing School and North Park University to earn her Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Shelley worked as an RN in various Chicago hospitals including Swedish Covenant and Illinois Masonic. In every position she held, Shelley rose into a position of leadership.

But Shelley would tell you her greatest accomplishment was becoming a mother. She loved nothing more than spending time with her sons and watching them grow through the years. Most recently, her heart for caring was poured into her successful and award-winning dog sitting business, Shelley Loves Dogs.

In her best moments Shelley made everyone feel loved and made every moment more fun. She loved BIG and cared deeply. She loved dogs. She loved music. She loved laughing. She loved her boys bigger and brighter than the sun.

And even though life tried so hard to dull her shine, even though at times she walked through deep darkness, Shelley’s light was still there for those who loved her and those she loved. She never stopped living her life with deep care for her people. She was the poster child for caring. Her childlike faith in Christ brought her comfort and peace.

Shelley never knew a stranger. She cherished people who marched to the beat of their own drum. When you met her, you knew you would be valued for who you were. She planted seeds of love for good music, good times and good company, and for all things Chicago.

Shelley is survived by her mother Suzanne Goodwin Goff, stepfather Peter Goff, her sons Cullen Reno Irwin and Cooper James Irwin, her sister Sara (David) Gleason and their children Aiden and Maren, and her dear uncle Richard (Lucrecia) Goodwin. She also leaves behind numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father Brian McGregor, and her grandparents Stanley and Rachael Goodwin.

Shelley will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May memories of her be a blessing and source of comfort and strength to all.

A memorial service will be held at Hillside Church, 2727 Crawford Ave, Evanston, IL at 10:30am on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, with a reception to be held immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hillside Church.