MICHELLE AGNES MORRISSEY

VERGENNES — Michelle Agnes Morrissey, 68, of Vergennes, passed away on Nov 23, 2024, at the Helen Porter Rehab & Nursing Center in Middlebury after a long illness with recent complications. She died surrounded with much love and support from family and friends. Shelly had a wonderful personality, and we will dearly miss her shining light.

Shelly was born in Kenosha, Wis., on June 10, 1956. She was the daughter of Mary Caroline Morrissey and James Arthur Morrissey. She was the 11th of 14 children and the aunt to 36 nieces and nephews. She was a loving sister, aunt, godmother, cousin and friend. Shelly was raised in Wisconsin, Ohio, and New Jersey, and settled in Vermont with the family in 1970.

After an adventurous trip through Burlington High School, Shelly was the leader of the pack through the 70s, 80s and 90s. Shelly worked in a few different roles over the years, including bartending at The Other Place and Murph’s Tavern, where she excelled at making customers feel welcome and entertained. Shelly worked as a photo developer at Photogarden in Burlington and Williston, where she developed her own considerable photography skills. Her sparkle brought her to pal around with celebrities, such as Lyle Lovett and Larry, Daryll & Daryll from the Newhart show. She worked for many years capturing photos of college students for area schools. Her lively personality shined while volunteering at The Three-Day Stampede for many years.

One of Shelly’s greatest joys was being with family and friends. She had many talents and loved to share her knowledge. Shelly was a great cook and led the preparations for the large family holiday feast for years. She had a love of all animals and was a dog mom to many dogs over the years and also knew the names of most pets in the neighborhood. She is survived by her faithful companion, Ruby Blue.

Shelly left us with the same exuberance and indomitable spirit with which she led her life. She was a free spirit who would drop everything and show up for the people she loved and who loved her. When hospice care was needed for people in her circle, Shelly showed up. When there was a devastating loss, Shelly showed up. When family or friends needed help, Shelly showed up. And she made everything fun. Who else but Shelly could make tough stuff fun — but she always did!

Shelly is survived by her siblings and their spouses, including Judy, Jim and Linda, Beth (Mike), Tom and Debbie, John and Marge, Dick, MaryKay and Peter, Beth, Maureen and Denny, and Joanni and Gary. She is also survived by nephews and nieces Michael, Amy, Christine, Gina, Karen, Wendi, John Jr., Kate, Harry, David, Austin, Kendra, Jesse, Shannan, Jaimee, Jason, Kyle, Chris, Audrey, Sharon, Logan and Melanie; great nieces and nephews Laney, Jasper, Avery, Jack, Oliver, Fineas, Evan, Maddie, Lucy, Maggie, Mila, Theo, Robbie, and Waylon; and several cousins. Shelly made friends easily and had several lifelong friends including Deb, Leigh and Annie.

Shelly was predeceased by her parents, Mary Caroline and James Arthur Morrissey; her brothers Mike, Ron and Bill; and her sister Carol; as well as dear friends Larry and Clifford.

There will be a graveside service held at Mount St. Joseph Cemetery in Bristol early next summer. There will be a celebration of life service and luncheon immediately following. Details will be posted at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shelly’s name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation c/o The Three-Day Stampede, 711 Dan Sargent Rd, Starksboro, Vt., 05487, or Homeward Bound of Addison County, 236 Boardman St, Middlebury, Vt., 05753.

Please visit awrfh.com to read Shelly’s full obituary and share your memories and photos. ◊