Shelley Ploof Obituary

Shelly Ann (Duguay) Ploof 5/6/1966 - 2/4/2024

NEW SALEM, MA - Shelley recently lost the battle with failing health stemming from the lifelong side effects of a successful cancer treatment when she was in grade school. She passed away with her husband by her side.

Shelley leaves behind her husband of 28 wonderful years, Dana Ploof of New Salem, her sister Susan (Duguay) Laford and her husband Derek, and nieces Kylie Mae Ploof Laford of South Deerfield, Kyla St Louis and Julia Ploof of Orange; as well as Brother-in-Law Jeff Ploof and his wife "Lady" Elane Ploof, "MIL" Sally (Ploof) Conkey and Step Father-in-law John Conkey of Belchertown and Father-in-Law Thomas Ploof of Zepherhills Florida. She also leaves behind best friends Sandy Murcell and her partner Topo Hakkinen, Robin Gravel and her significant other Gary Duprey, and so many others to list.

She was predeceased by her mother Kathleen (Yonker) Duguay, her father Nelson Duguay and her grandmother Mae Yonker.

Born in Greenfield on May 6th of 1966 and grew up in Athol, graduating from Athol High School in 1985. Shelley worked at the L. S. Starrett Company for 15 years, first in Department 7 Straightening under Don Ambrose. She had an impeccable record of zero defects and quickness, likely the GOAT if they looked at the stats. When the Head of Personnel Eddie Marquis called the department, and Shelley answered the phone with her sweet voice, he instantly offered her a job in the main office. That is where Shelley's career in customer service took off. It was at Starrett's in 1993 that Shelley met Dana and they got married at the Ellenwood Country Club in 1995. After Starrett's she worked in customer service at Avery Dennison in Fitchburg for 16 years before retiring to focus on her health. Shelley made many long-lasting friends inside and outside of her work. To know Shelley was to love Shelley forever.

Shelley loved cruising the back roads of New England on the back of their BMW motorcycle and then her beloved Miata convertible, visiting old haunts and finding new ones where she and Dana could "drop into a quiet little place and have a drink or two". Shelley loved all of her wild birds, especially the hummingbirds that she would anticipate every May around her birthday. She also loved cats, especially orange males. Facebook figured this out in a hurry and would present to her at least three orange cat videos a day. She had a beautiful singing voice, had a love for music, loved attending and hosting parties, especially Patriots tailgate parties, and became an accomplished cook and prolific latchhook creator. Her absolute favorite time of the year is upon us. It is when the snow has just melted, the sun is strong, the birds are singing and the best weather of the year in New England hasn't even started. On those days you would find her outside sitting in the Adirondack chairs facing west to soak up the last rays of the sun that day.

Calling hours will be on Thursday, February 15 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main St., Orange, MA .

Funeral services will be on Friday, February 16, 2:00 p.m., New Salem Central Congregational Church, 22 South Main St., New Salem, MA .

Reception to be held at the Franco American Club, 592 South St., Athol, MA

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages sending donations to the wonderfully supportive community at: Central Congregational Church of New Salem, 22 South Main Street, New Salem, MA 01355.

Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book and directions at WWW.WITTYFUNERAL.COM