Irene Shelly

2019 after a seven month battle with cancer. Irene was born on

March 18, 1937 in Long Branch, New Jersey to Charles and

Grace Bennett. She resided in Middletown and Red Bank before

settling in Lakewood.

She was employed as a bookkeeper at Eatontown Convalescent

Center, and John Lawley Agency in Middletown. She ultimately

retired after 19 years from Riverview Medical Center as a Food

Service Supervisor.

Irene was an avid bowler with a high average of 180. She served

many years on the Monmouth County Woman’s Bowling

Association. She loved sports and cars. In her early years, she

was on the Red Bank High School women’s basketball team.

She enjoyed boating, swimming, and drag racing in Asbury

Park. In more recent years, she enjoyed visiting family in

California, Florida and Pennsylvania, not to mention numerous

trips to Atlantic City, N.J. where she would play the penny slot

machines for hours on end. Irene enjoyed gardening, and loved a

house full of plants, and a garden full of beautiful flowers.

Irene was blessed to have close loving friends and neighbors

who checked on her daily and loved to spend time with her. She

is survived by a son, Kenneth Shelly, and wife, Carolyn of

Neptune; daughter Kathy Hancock, and husband, Bill, of San

Diego; granddaughter Jill Hancock of Chicago; stepgranddaughter,

Rebecca Yogg and husband Mike, of Lakewood;

sisters Elizabeth Bray and husband Bob, of the Villages, Florida,

and Barbara Weikel of Limerick, PA, and many nieces and

nephews whom she adored.

The family sincerely thanks all who have helped during the past

months. Request donations to the Bayada Hospice Foundation

https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/1441751

A small gathering of friends and family has been held.

Cremation arrangements are with Neptune Society, Paramus, NJ.