Shelley Mae Eichhorst

EICHHORST, Shelley Mae (Bates)

June 10, 1970 – April 8, 2021

 

It is with tremendous sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of our beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend, Shelley Eichhorst, on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at the age of 50. Shelley was born in Calgary at the Grace Hospital in 1970, but grew up on the family farm outside of Acme, AB. There, she spent most of her childhood singing to the animals, listening to rock music, and following around her big brother, Greg, and sisters, Melody and Stacy. She was the youngest of four and, as the smallest of the bunch, developed the biggest personality. Always musical, Shelley developed a passion for singing that blossomed into performance, both in talent shows and functions, until joining bands in her late teens during the 1980s hair-metal craze. Shelley went on to Red Deer College to pursue a degree in Music. Shelley loved Bon Jovi, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Skid Row, Kim Mitchell, and countless other artists, and she shared that love with her children, who can all play instruments to some degree thanks to their mother. In her 30’s Shelley discovered her love for caregiving, and she spent most of the next 20 years working both as a private caregiver and in assisted-living facilities. Her bright, friendly personality endeared her to the many elderly clients who came to love her as a daughter. Shelley was a child at heart. On family trips she’d stop to say hello to cows and horses. On summer nights she could be found playing badminton out on the street with her kids. She loved her gardens, her knick-knacks, and most of all, her cats. She also relished yearly trips to Fairmont Hot Springs with the family.  She could be a friend to anyone, often striking up conversations with strangers. She had many close friends, including her children, her siblings, and her parents. Her bond with her mother, Shirley, was especially strong, and Shelley spent the final years of her life living together with her mother, where the two spent long hours drinking coffee, talking about their loved ones, and watching Game of Thrones. In short, Shelley wanted to live, and to savor life. Sadly, Shelley also battled addiction in her life. It took many things from her in her later years, eventually leading to her death. The family feels it is important (as would Shelley have) to warn about the dangers of addiction, to confront its effect on our society, and to communicate openly to help those who continue to suffer, both addicts and their families. Shelley fought very hard to live, but God in His wisdom took her. May her life be a lesson, as well as a blessing, to all of us to be diligent in the fight against addiction. She is lovingly remembered by her mother, Shirley; her sister, Melody; her brother, Greg; her ex-husband and friend, Harry; her 3 children, Tyler, Scott, and Carlee; 5 grandchildren, Kailyn, Jackson, Holly, Mary Shelley and soon-to-be born George; as well as many nieces and nephews. Shelley is preceded in death by her father, Delroy; and her sister, Stacy. It would also be remiss to omit her cat Sunny. Shelley opted to be cremated, and due to COVID-19 restrictions the family will be holding a memorial at a date when all those in the community can freely come express their condolences and celebrate her life.