Michele A. Humphrey Obituary

Michele A. "Shelly" (Flint) Humphrey, 66, of Gloucester, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, October 20th, 2024.

Shelly was born in Utica, New York, daughter of the late John and Gertrude (Shepherd) Flint. She grew up in a large family in Oneida County, New York. Shelly attended Westmoreland Central Schools and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy from Syracuse University.

Shelly married George Humphrey of Oriskany, New York on October 2nd, 1982, at the Church of Annunciation in Clark Mills. In 1992 they moved to Pigeon Cove then finally settled in Gloucester to raise their daughter, Jess. Shelly's heart of gold also led her to open her home to care for many other local children as part of the Massachusetts foster care system.

Shelly worked for New York State for several years before moving to Cape Ann. She worked at Den Mar Rehab Facility for five years and then the Visiting Nurses Association for two decades. In 2019 she and her closest friend, Deb, opened their own business, Coastal Home Care, helping people all over the North Shore. Shelly had an incredible work ethic and worked circles around people half her age. She spent her entire career devoting her time and energy to caring for everyone around her. She put even more of herself into caring for her family and friends.

Shelly was a gardening fanatic. She would spend hours outside beautifying her flower beds. She took special pride in her gorgeous blue hydrangeas, pink peonies, and orange poppies. Her absolute favorite thing to do was spending time with her grandkids... it could be crabbing at Hodgkin's Cove, rock climbing at Wingaersheek, strolling through Annisquam, or shopping at Bearskin Neck... she was most at bliss though when spending the days crafting with them. One of her last projects was making a life sized witch and skeleton out of recyclables for Halloween. Halloween was far and away her favorite holiday and she spent every single Halloween with her girls, making sure that her daughter and her granddaughters always-always had award winning handmade costumes, never store bought. Her granddaughters were her world. When Shelly wasn't working, crafting, gardening, or spending time with her family, she was lounging out at Good Harbor and stopping at Long Beach for a lemon sorbet waffle cone.

She loved Johnny Mathis and Nat King Cole. Cobalt blue glass and Essex antiques. The Atlantic Ocean and hunting seashells. Crabtree and Evelyn and Oil of Olay. Fat Frog wine and Lebanese food. Hot English tea and trips to Ireland. Sundresses and being bare foot. House plants and stained glass. Chimpanzees and elephants. Finding dimes and baking treats. Heavy quilts and handmade decor. Sterling silver bangles and Celtic knots. Hot cider donuts and visits to Vermont. She loved her family above all and was always there whenever anyone needed her. She was absolutely treasured by anyone who had the privilege and honor to know her. The world did not deserve how truly wonderful she was.

Shelly will be so incredibly missed by her beloved granddaughters Charlotte (Lottie Da) and Bernadette (Birdie), her daughter Jess, son-in-law Josh, and her husband George. She is also survived by her adoring brother Michael, brother Ted, and a sister. Shelly had numerous cousins, but her favorite was Cheryl-Ann, who she loved like a true sister. Shelly also leaves behind many in-laws, nephews and nieces. Shelly was predeceased by her parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Elephant Juice, Mom.

A private ceremony will be held for close family members to spread her ashes at Gay Head Cliffs in Martha's Vineyard. Remembrances in Shelly's name may be made to Cape Ann Animal Aid, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA. where she adopted all her favorite four legged friends. Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester.