It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Shelley Law (Conron) Montanaro, age 68, of Pelham, NH. Shelley passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on January 15, 2026 following a long and courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, James Montanaro.

Shelley was the daughter of the late Edward F and Barbara Jane (Rodgers) Conron. She was born on May 25, 1957 in Winchester, MA, and grew up in North Reading, MA where she later raised her own family. She graduated from North Reading High School and Endicott College. In her early years she worked as a commercial artist, and later worked as a nursery school teacher and then as a pre-op coordinator at Lahey Hospital. Throughout her 68 years, Shelley touched countless lives with her wisdom, humor and unwavering perseverance.

Shelley cherished time spent with family and friends, especially quality time with her grandchildren. She always had a fun game or silly project up her sleeve such as Christmas in July with yard games galore, Super Bowl trivia for kids, or some kind of friendly competition with sweet prizes. Family meant everything to her, and she treasured vacations, holidays, and any moment when everyone was together.

She found happiness in meaningful conversation, quiet moments journaling and writing poetry, spending time with her dogs, watching favorite films, shopping with friends, playing games with her grandkids, and staying closely connected to those she loved whether it be by phone, visit, letter, or text— and was always available to lend an ear and just listen or offer help to anyone that needed support. Small gestures mattered deeply to her- a handwritten note, a surprise gift, a lunchbox message, a cheerful “just checkin’ in” text filled with emojis, or fresh cookies waiting on the counter. Shelley was widely known and deeply loved, leaving such an impression that even everyday acquaintances reached out to express their fondness and concern for her.

Creativity was central to Shelley’s life.  Shelley had a talent for arts, crafts, drawing, and painting and enjoyed creating things in her own special way.  She also enjoyed gardening and tending to her flowers, bird watching, attracting and feeding different species of birds and made sure they all had a place to get food, especially in the winter. She loved to frequent gift shops and farm stands, collecting meaningful pieces over the years that filled her home and were often transformed into heartfelt gifts for others.

Shelley was driven by an endless thirst for knowledge and often imparted life lessons onto those around her. Shelley marched to the beat of her own drum and proudly embraced who she was. She passionately shared her strong opinions when it mattered to her, whether it was for or against an issue or cause that she felt was important and needed to share with others. Social media was a common platform for communicating those feelings.

She deeply loved animals, especially dogs and was a devoted supporter of dog rescue organizations and supported them as much as possible through communication as well as adoptions. Shelley and her husband fostered and adopted many dogs, who were cherished members of the family.

Above all, Shelley was a selfless person who cared about everyone else before herself. She found joy in life’s simple blessings… sunshine on her face, laughter from her children and grandchildren, the loyalty of a rescued dog that has finally found the love and protection of a forever home, the first signs of spring, and the quiet comfort of knowing loved ones were near. She believed in small signs from a lingering bird, butterfly, or heart-shaped reminder, that told her someone special was watching over her.

Shelley leaves behind immediate family members including daughter Jennifer Carlstrom and husband Alan of Pelham, NH, son Jason Montanaro and wife Amy of Woburn, MA, son Timothy Montanaro and wife Jessica of Windham, NH and daughter Stacie Montanaro of North Andover, MA. Grandchildren include Ryder Carlstrom, Brayden Carlstrom, Aliya Carlstrom, and Taylor Montanaro. Shelley is survived by her brother Scott Conron of Gilmanton, NH and Jensen Beach, FL, and extended family including nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

Shelley touched the lives of all who knew her. Her selflessness, warmth, and generous spirit will be remembered always.  She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and compassion that lives on through her family and friends. We will find her in the stars, in gardens filled with her favorite flowers, in birds visiting the yard and everywhere in between.

In Shelley’s own words: “So in the end, remember… the ‘good stuff.’ The memories and moments- they are gone in a BLINK so don’t waste them. Be thankful for what we have, toss aside what’s not worth focusing on, and treasure the days we have to share.”

At the family’s request there will be no service at this time. Croswell Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Shelley Montanaro. Memorial contributions may be made in Shelley’s memory to Tunica Humane Society (Tunica, MS), New House WildLife Rescue (Chelmsford, MA) and MSPCA at Nevins Farm (Methuen, MA).