Peacefully at the North Bay Regional Health Centre, District Hospital, on Tuesday, May 10, 2011. Tracy Lea Shelp, at the age of 51 years, breathed on her own until her lungs stopped working — determined, as always, to live life on her own terms. Beloved daughter of Margaret and Victor Shelp (both deceased) and survived by her loving brother Andy (Tanis) and their children North (11) and Sydney (9) who were devoted to their awe-inspiring Auntie Tracy. Born with Spina Bifida, Tracy was a trailblazer who rose above her disability embracing the outdoors with her parents. Tracy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Laurentian University, hoping to work with disabled adults in Northern Ontario. She worked for a time at Veteran’s Affairs where she did just that. She fought hard every step of the way advocating for herself and, by extension, for all people with physical disabilities, to live a busy, independent life. She held a variety of jobs in North Bay, did volunteer work for the March of Dimes and the United Church and made some dear friends along the way. Tracy’s closest friend, Joan Ball, will adopt her cherished pet cockatiel Isis. Tracy loved doing crafts of almost every kind and always had a project on the go. Her passion was ancient Egypt and although she never travelled to see the pyramids she was thrilled to visit Tutankhamun exhibit in Toronto last spring to celebrate her 50th birthday with family. Her indomitable spirit will be remembered always. Tracy requested that no service be performed in her memory. But donations to the Ontario March of Dimes or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be welcome. Arrangements entrusted to Martyn Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered at www.martynfh.com.
