Sandra C. “Sandy” Shelly
November 13, 1938 - October 16, 2026
With deep sadness and loving hearts, we announce the passing of Sandra C. “Sandy” Shelly, who died on October 16, 2026, at the age of 87 under hospice care at Accent Care at Christiana Hospital. Mom will be remembered for her fight for life, her traditional and dignified ways, and the love she gave to her family.
Sandy was born on November 13, 1938, in Wilmington, DE to the late Florence Stuart Clark and Joseph Pierson Clark. She graduated from P.S. DuPont High School and worked at Atlas Powder Company before marrying Robert G. Shelly on August 4, 1956. Together they raised five children in Wilmington before settling in Middletown. Sandy retired from the Seiberlich Trane Company in 2009 after 38 years. Sandy and Bobby cruised to many destinations including the Mediterranean, their most memorable, and they also traveled to Texas and Las Vegas. They loved spending summers with family and friends at the Delaware beaches and shopping in Stone Harbor.
Mom was strong and determined. She enjoyed keeping an immaculate house, working in her yard, preparing elaborate meals, and shopping.
She is survived by four children, Cindy S. McDaniel, Bret D. Shelly (Gina), Linda S. Buchwald (George) of Lewes, and Brad M. Shelly of Clayton; sibling, Carlyn Bailey (Gary) of Rehoboth Beach; 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her loving husband, Robert; son, Bart R. Shelly (Oanh) of Wilmington; grandson, Justin Shelly of Wilmington; and her brother, Bruce Clark (Marlene).
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 am to 10:30 am on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, Delaware, where a funeral service will begin at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 220 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, Delaware.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sandra’s name may be made to the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, c/o ChristianaCare, PO Box 1668, Wilmington, DE 19899.
Joelle Patrick
Sons and daughters of Sandy, and everyone else included, I am so deeply sorry to hear of this angel’s passing! She was a fierce woman, with an absolute heart of gold! I only knew Sandy this past year, but I revel in the stories she shared with me, and the life lessons she tried to instill upon me in that short period of time. She was a true firecracker, even in her late life stage of constant pain. She always welcomed me a smile, plenty of hugs, and the warmest hand to hold, just a few seconds longer at goodbye- which was the hardest part of our visit! I tried to bring as much joy and peace to her heart as I could, and I know she always felt that. I hope your family finds some quiet and still, in her memory, and the fact she’s no longer suffering so much. She’s looking down now, knowing you’ll at be just fine, and she can now rest easy! Sending all the love I ca , stay strong, and most importantly stay together!
Carol M Shelly
Sandy was my sister-in-law. She and her husband Bobby were very special part of our family. There are so many memories of our times together.
In the last years as both Sandy and I aged, we’d have lunch at my home. I’d make her tomato pesto soup… And we’d share memories.
At times like this… There are no words to really express how I feel.
She will remain a very special part of my life.
I know what a milestone this is for her children, grandchildren, and all the rest of us. We loved her.
Walt &Linda Shelly
On the 24th you will gather in sadness and with a hole in your hearts to say goodbye to your mom, to a grandmother, and a very special person. At the same time you’ll remember your lives with gratitude and hold all the good memories in your hearts.
Sandy and I shared that the fact that we were both daughters-in-law and sisters-in-law. We married into that big Shelly family and were accepted with lots and lots of love, as members of the family.
Bobby and Sandy were always so much fun. One of our favorite memories is when they came to Texas. We didn’t get many visitors from the east, so it was a real treat. We took a road trip and went to the balloon festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico and then on to Colorado. We even went up to Pikes Peak without Sandy having any problems. We laughed a lot and enjoyed each other’s company.
Sandy truly fought the good fight. She never gave up and her family meant everything to her. We are so grateful that our lives touched – I know we are the better for it.
With love – always, Walt and Linda