Obituary of SHELLY WRIGHT

SHELLY WRIGHT Shelly left her loved ones on June 19, 2012 in ICU at St. Boniface Hospital. Her body had been overwhelmed by infection. Her immune system was not up to the task after five heart surgeries, kidney dialysis of a year and a kidney from her sister over the past twenty five years. Her body said enough already and her brain said so be it. Shelly was a fighter and lived her life with tenacity! Shelly was born September 27, 1962 in Thompson to delighted parents, Joan and Grant Wright. She grew up in Thompson doing all the kid things, piano lessons, skating, skiing, brownies, girl guides. She stuffed newspapers at her families business - The Thompson Citizen and the Nickel Belt News. As part of her education, Shelly spent two years, Grade 11 and 12, in Fairbault, MN attending Shattuck-St. Mary's boarding school. From there, she went off to the University of Manitoba, to obtain her bachelor's degree in political science, after which, she returned to Thompson. Back into the family fold and like her father started writing. She was foremost a reporter, but also a typist, proof-reader and extreme editor. Her favourite form of writing was the editorial. Which on several occasions stirred much controversy in her home town, but always created conversation. She was ready to take up a cause she felt was worthwhile, and cared deeply for her community and the people in it. But with every true family business, there was the occasional showdown between family members. At one point, her mother remembers trying to correct Shelly's spelling and was told in return to go and learn how to type. And so she did, mother Joan took up the challenge and started typesetting. Family dynamics always played a role at the Citizen office, and when all fours 'Wrights" were in the house, things could be complicated. To this day, the family jokes that Shelly liked being a reporter to escape the office. Due to her health, Shelly decided to move back to Winnipeg in her early 30's to be closer to doctors and medical facilities. She still would write for the paper, but her works consisted of many hours of research. During this time, she would travel when possible, spending time with family in Florida, or taking a road trip with parents. Her love of writing took many forms and while recovering from her surgeries, she wrote several complete books to keep from going crazy. Her subject matter ranged from family drama, to small town America, using various locations and landscapes and backdrops. She has even self-published two novels that were available on Amazon under the name Drake Worthington. Reading was also a definite passion. Didn't matter the subject, she did love all types - fiction, autobiographies, etc. In fact, her sister joked that she should have written a few romance novels to make a name for herself first, then she could write what ever she liked. After selling the family business in 2007, Shelly stayed in the city, but took on the task, with her partner, Mike to rebuild the family cabin. What started as a leaky roof, and some needed upgraded became a 3 year saga, that is still underway. She wasn't a very good carpenter's apprentice, as there was a lot of grumbling, but she had no problem scrambling up on the roof to bring tools, pick up shingles, and even help dig in the muck. Shelly's family will celebrate her life with fond memories, love and remembering her spirit, which will be our push to "get on with it" as Shelly would say. Shelly leaves her partner, Michael Wright, Mother - Joan Wright, Sister - Carolyn Wright, Nieces Rebecca, Mary, and Kimberley Drapack. The family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful care of the Manitoba Health System all these years. We are lucky to live here. A heartfelt thanks to the expert care in St. Boniface Hospital ICU. Cremation has taken place and a family service will be held at a later date.