It is with the heaviest hearts that we announce the passing of our mom, Shelley Marie Gerstmeyer, who was born on August 20, 1963, in Oliver, BC. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Monday, April 20, 2026, in Grande Prairie, AB, after a courageous battle.

Our mom was one of the strongest, most determined women you could ever meet. While raising all of us, she worked full-time and still went to college at night to pursue her education in office administration. This was something that truly showed her resilience, work ethic, and drive. She later began her career with Schlumberger, where she took a lot of pride in her work.

But more than anything, our mom lived for her family. She was a proud mom to six children and the most loving “Gammy” to thirteen grandchildren, who meant absolutely everything to her. Being a grandma was one of her greatest joys, and she poured so much love into each and every one of them. She always said her kids were her greatest accomplishment, and we felt that love every single day.

She will also be deeply missed by her lifelong best friend of 53 years, Edna Lester, her dear friend of 31 years, Lois O’Brien, and her close friend, Holly Borden. These friendships meant the world to her. Whether it was bingo nights, coffee visits, or just sitting and talking for hours, those moments brought her so much happiness.

Our mom had such a vibrant and unforgettable personality. She was funny, stubborn (in the best way), incredibly strong, kind, compassionate, and so full of love. She loved music—there was almost always something playing in the background at home. She found joy in being creative through resin art and painting, and loved cooking, baking, and gardening. Some of our most cherished memories are from simply sitting and talking with her or watching her with her grandkids. Those were the moments she loved most.

There are no words that truly capture how much she meant to us. The loss we feel is immense, and our lives will never be the same without her. We are so grateful for every moment we had together, and for the love she gave so freely.

She will live on through all of us.

Shelley is lovingly remembered by her children: Pamela Cowley, Michelle Cowley, Robert (Sarah) Cowley, Kaleen (Tom) Arnold, Erick Jonzon (Heather King), and Ty Jonzon; her stepchildren: Jimmy (Reta) Cowley and Donna (Doug) Kind; and her grandchildren: Mariah Insull, Ryder Scott, Brixton Scott, Carter Scott, Zayden Aeichele, Noah Tough, Ryder Arnold, Brooklyn Arnold, David Hidber, Jackson Arnold, Matteo King, Bella King, and Eren King, along with many friends who loved her dearly.

She was predeceased by her father, Robert Gerstmeyer; her stepdaughter, Jeanette Cowley; and her brother, Tracey Gerstmeyer.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM at Oliver’s Funeral Home (10005 107 Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB).

A celebration of Shelley’s life will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Oliver’s Funeral Home. Following the celebration, friends are invited to join the family for a luncheon in Oliver’s Tea Room. Afterward, interment will take place at the Grande Prairie Cemetery (84 Avenue and 112 Street).

For those who cannot attend in person, the celebration will be livestreamed. A link will be available shortly before the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Kev’s Kids (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/kevs-kids-society/).

Arrivederci, Mom… until we meet again. We love you always and forever.