Jean Ann Shely

In Loving Memory of Jean Shely

There are some people whose presence quietly changes the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know them. Jean Shely was one of those rare souls. She lived with grace, loved without limits, and had an extraordinary gift for making every person she met feel seen, welcomed, and valued. To her family, she was simply "Gigi"—a name she cherished after becoming the proud great-grandmother of eight beautiful children, with one more on the way. Her great-grandchildren were, without question, the lights of her life.

Jean Ann Marsh was born on June 30, 1934, in Flint, Michigan, to Dr. Howard LaRue Marsh and Elizabeth Marsh. She grew up with her brother, Graham, enjoying summers at the family's cottage on Fenton Lake, where horseback riding, swimming, music, and the outdoors shaped a childhood full of joy. A gifted pianist and singer, Jean shared her talents through her church and passed her lifelong love of music and the arts on to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

After graduating high school, Jean attended Eastern Michigan University, where she studied education and later went on to teach art and share her talented gifts with her students. While there, she met Dr. Bruce Lessien while making a phone call to his fraternity house trying to find a date for her cousin. This chance encounter led to marriage and four children: Brian, Michelle (Shelly), Erik, and Greg. Following their divorce, Jean devoted herself to raising her family with quiet strength and resilience while working full-time.

Later in life, Jean found the love of her life, Donald Shely. They met by chance in Bloomfield Hills when Donald quite literally stumbled into her while leaving a restaurant. His offer to buy her a drink became the beginning of a beautiful 31-year love story. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, travel, and lifelong friendships, dividing their time between Harbor Springs, Michigan, where they found a cherished community of friends at L'Arbre Croche and Colonial Wequetonsing, and Arizona, where they enjoyed equally meaningful friendships at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale and Trilogy at Vistancia, Peoria.

Jean was a gifted artist whose creativity flourished throughout her life. From painted ceramics to watercolor, oil and eventually to acrylic painting, she embraced each new medium with remarkable talent and humility. Even in her eighties, she continued taking classes, creating beautiful works that brought joy to family, friends, and all who admired them.

After Donald's passing, Jean returned to Michigan to be closer to family, finding a welcoming community and dear friendships at The Clusters at Burcham Hills. Her family often teased her that her social calendar was the busiest it had ever been. In her short time living at The Clusters, Jean enjoyed Thursday coffees, dinners with friends, and her Wednesday morning ladies' group among her favorites.

Nothing brought Jean greater joy than her family. Whether attending recitals, concerts, graduations, birthdays, or holidays, she delighted in simply showing up for the people she loved. Christmas was especially dear to her, and she created treasured traditions through gingerbread houses, homemade cookies, Santa brunches, beautifully decorated tables, and countless thoughtful touches that made every celebration feel magical. She was the family baker, bow maker, encourager, trusted confidante, and the smiling face everyone looked forward to seeing on FaceTime.

Jean's kindness and generosity extended far beyond her family. Known for her timeless elegance, quiet grace, and impeccable sense of style, she possessed a natural beauty that drew people in. But it was her warmth, genuine curiosity, and infectious smile that made them stay. She had an extraordinary gift for making others feel welcome wherever she went, leaving every place and every person a little better than she found them.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. H. LaRue and Elizabeth Marsh; her brother, Graham Marsh; her beloved husband, Donald Shely; her son, Brian Lessien; her son-in-law, Emory Rittenhouse; her former husband, Dr. Bruce Lessien and her beloved English Springer Spaniels, Abby I and Abby II.

She is survived by her children, Michelle Rittenhouse (Kevin Keuppers), Erik Lessien (Chris), and Greg Lessien; her grandchildren, Ashley Durham (Andrew), Allison Sullivan (Michael), Anna Loomis (Brandon), and Erika Cubilo (Justin); her cherished great-grandchildren, Grace, George, Gwyneth, Graham, Emory, Jack, Leighton, Harper, and a girl expected in September, Vivian Jean; her stepchildren, Elizabeth Shely, John Shely (Kellen), and Robert Shely (Lynda); along with her step-grandchildren, Katherine Sheldon (Jeremy Medeiros), Christine Shely (Matt Leidy), Robert Shely Jr. (Alison), Kimberly Shely (Kevin Herres), Allison Shely (Adam Chaikof), and Jenna Shely; and her step-great-grandchildren, Georgia and Jamie.

Jean's legacy lives on in the family she adored, the traditions she created, the beauty she brought into the world through her art, and the kindness and grace she extended so freely to everyone she met. She taught those around her to love generously, create joy, and always make room at the table. She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and endlessly loved.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, at Okemos Community Church, Okemos Rd, followed immediately by a celebration of Jean's life. A luncheon at the University Club will follow, where all are welcome to gather, share memories, and celebrate a life beautifully lived.

To honor Jean’s passion for animals, arts and music, the family welcomes donations to Okemos Community Church/music program, 4734 Okemos Rd. Springs, MI 48864, or Crooked Tree Arts Center, 461 E. Mitchell St., Petoskey, MI 49770, or Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, 1300 W. Conway Rd. #9582, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 in Jean Shely’s name.