Shelly Perini
1954 - 2026
With broken hearts, the family of Shelly Ann Perini share the passing of their beautiful sister in Taber on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at the age of 71 years.
Shelly will be fondly remembered by her siblings Darrel (Bonnie) Perini of Taber and their children Scott Perini, Kyla (Kyler) Hirch (their son Colson); Gail Gulkiewich of Lethbridge and her children Kirsten and Kyle; Angie (Dennis) Gulevich of Lethbridge and her children Tristan (Haley) Thiessen and Catlin Thiessen; Lisa (Glenn) Racette of Lethbridge and their children Peyton and Rachelle.She will also be deeply missed by her longtime special friend, Lolly Turner, together they shared a treasured friendship, spending countless hours serving their community, shopping and working side by side at Johnson's corn stand each summer.
She was predeceased by her parents Tito and Joyce Perini and both sets of her grandparents.
Before beginning her lifelong career at Hostess Frito Lay, Shelly held several other positions including seasonal work at Lucerne Foods, the Taber Municipal Hospital and Quills Stationery. Shelly was a dedicated employee and proud of her remarkable thirty nine and half year career with Hostess, during which she never missed a day of work.
In her retirement, Shelly continued to be active in the community as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion Taber Branch, the Lioness/Lions Clubs and many years selling corn for Johnson’s Farms.
Shelly was admired for her kind and generous ways. She remembered every birthday and anniversary with a card and phone call. Her nieces and nephews meant the world to her. Shelly cherished every opportunity to be part of their lives and made every effort to attend their activities, celebrate their accomplishments and share in the many milestones they reached along the way.
No matter her own circumstances, Shelly always took time to check on others, especially those who were ill, troubled or having a difficult day. Shelly’s kindness, compassion and genuine concern for others was evident. She was fiercely independent, and sometimes stubborn and rarely asked for help. Each day, she faithfully reserved an hour to watch her favourite soap opera, her "show" as she affectionately called it, The Young and the Restless. It was a cherished tradition she had shared with mom and continued for more than fifty years.
Finding joy in life's simple pleasures, she loved listening to country music, browsing craft shows, travelling, curling - both playing and cheering from the sidelines, playing bingo and relaxing on her front porch in the sunshine.
Shelly had a deep love for animals, especially cats. She lovingly rescued and raised many orphaned kittens over the years and never turned her back on a stray, always making sure they were fed, cared for and given the compassion they deserved.
Shelly will be missed more than words can express and will forever be in our hearts.
The Funeral Service will be held at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden.
Those who are unable to attend and wish to view the service online may do so by visiting Shelly’s obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 10:45 A.M. on Friday, July 10, 2026. Barring any technical difficulties, the livestream will begin at 11:00 A.M.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Shelly’s name be made directly to the Royal Canadian Legion, 5205 - 48 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1S8 or the Taber Lost Paws Society, 5710 - 66 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1B8 www.taberlostpawssociety.com.