WAUSAU, Wis. - Shelley Leinon, 69, of Iron Belt, passed away Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Shelley was born on Aug. 9, 1953, at Grand View Hospital in Ironwood, Michigan, to Gasper and Janice (Levra) Perrero. She attended grade school in Iron Belt and West Allis. She graduated from J.E. Murphy High School in Hurley in 1971.

Shelley's work history started in high school as an administrative assistant for Frances Fassino's law practice, followed by the R.T. Williams Insurance Agency. Shelley began as a teller at Detroit & Northern Savings and Loan and moved up to a loan officer. Shelley also worked at Red's Auto in financing. Many people still talk about how Shelley gave them their first loan and how much that meant to them. She had the ability to talk to anyone, make friends easily and will always be remembered for her kindness, generosity and humor.

Shelley married David Leinon on June 6, 1972, at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Iron Belt. He survives. She is also survived by her two children, Jamie (Marilyn Kasper) and Deena; her precious pups, Bella and Luna; and her grand-dog, Cyrus. She is further survived by a brother, Paul; her sisters-in-law, Darlene Laihinen and Karin Leinon; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lily and Ray Leinon; and her brothers-in-law, Dick Laihinen and Dean Leinon.

Shelley was a wonderful mother and friend, and she will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Special thanks to Shelley's cousin, Beth Brzeckowski, for her lifetime of friendship and support in good times and bad, and to her dear friend and neighbor, Mary Ruha, for her unfailing friendship and willingness to help.

Per Shelley's wishes, no services will be held.

Deena writes, "I realize that there are no words that can do justice to the most amazing, generous, kind and witty woman that I know. You are my best friend, my inspiration. And I can just hear my mom telling me that I don't need to make myself sick about it. There is no short tribute that can convey how many lives she has touched or how many people will think of her and smile. No way to truly express how much she has influenced me and how deeply she will be missed. All that I can say is that I promise to try and be strong and make you proud. And that you are the reason that I am who I am today. I love you mom."

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, Michigan, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com .