SHELLEY M. WEISS

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SHELLEY M. WEISS September 23, 1954 - September 10, 2002 Shelley Michele Weiss passed away peacefully at her home after a courageous 20-month battle with cancer. Predeceased by her loving mother Gertrude Weiss in 1995, Shelley is survived by her devoted husband Ron LaRocque and her beloved children, Erin and Evan LaRocque. Shelley also leaves her loving father Philip Weiss; sisters, Francie Winograd and Beverly Schwartz and their families, Eric, Abby, Jill, and Richard Winograd, and Bryan, Michael, and Lainie Schwartz. Shelley grew up in Winnipeg, graduating from Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate in 1972; she went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba in 1975 and continued her education, graduating with her Bachelor of Law Degree from the University of Manitoba in 1979. She was then called to the Manitoba Bar in 1980 and practiced corporate law in Winnipeg for five years. Shelley and Ron were married on June 27, 1982 in Winnipeg. They moved to Toronto in 1985, where Shelley received her call to the Ontario Bar in 1986. Demonstrating the determination that would serve her well throughout her professional career, Shelley wrote her last bar exam just days before Erin was born. Shelley began her career at the Bank of Montreal, in the legal department, in 1986. Two years later, Shelley gave birth to Evan, but resumed her career shortly thereafter. During her many years in the law department as Senior Legal Counsel, Shelley worked for a wide range of bank clients where she became quite well known for her expertise in Capital Markets. Building on her success in the Law Department Shelley received an Executive appointment as Vice President, Capital Markets and was subsequently promoted to Managing Director. At the time Shelleys illness was diagnosed, she had been promoted to Managing Director, Investment & Corporate Banking, BMO, Nesbitt Burns. In her 16 years at the bank she made countless friendships and was a highly respected colleague. During her illness, dozens of her friends at the bank gave her tremendous support in her battle. The family extends its thanks and gratitude to all those people for their kindness and consideration for Shelley. To the end, Shelley demonstrated her strength of character, determination, dignity, sensitivity, intelligence, relentless pursuit of excellence and honesty in every facet of life. These are the qualities that were instilled in Shelley by her father Philip and her mother Gertrude. Nothing was more important to Shelley than her family. Her aunts, uncles, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins were a very important part of her life and she received great love and support from them and will be greatly missed. Shelleys legacy will live on, because it was as a mother that she had her greatest success. Her love and devotion to Erin and Evan was boundless; as the children grew she took enormous pride in their accomplishments. Shelley left her children with a great appreciation for the importance of family, education and community service, and will forever be in their hearts. Shelley had an intense love and devotion to friends and throughout her life she collected them in great numbers. During her illness Shelley received an outpouring of love from those people whose lives she had touched. Shelleys family would like to thank the countless friends and relatives who interrupted their lives to give her comfort and support through this most difficult time. This includes many who live in Toronto, but also those who flew in frequently from Winnipeg and elsewhere. During her illness, Shelley faced numerous difficult and complex medical challenges, which were made immeasurably easier because of the efforts of our dear friend, Dr. Richard Reznick. Richards unfailing devotion and support for Shelley and her family, and his tireless efforts on Shelleys behalf were a great comfort and will never be forgotten. Many fine medical professionals helped Shelley in her battle - Dr. Malcolm Moore and Marcia McLeod at Princess Margaret Hospital, Dr. Lorne Rotstein of the Toronto General Hospital, Bonnie Cole of St. Elizabeth, and Dr. David Kendall of the Tammy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, who treated Shelley with exceptional care and respect. A special thank you goes to the Healing Journey Program at Princess Margaret Hospital. Shelley treasured her Jewish traditions and she and Ron have instilled this in Erin and Evan. We want to thank Rabbi Michael N. Dolgin of Temple Sinai for his kindness and support for Shelley and our family. Shelley was passionate about the importance of learning and education and in her honour the family has established the Shelley M. Weiss Memorial Scholarship, Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2. For information regarding donations in Shelleys memory, please call (204) 474-6133.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 18, 2002