February 17, 1956 – November 15, 2023

We are broken hearted to announce the sudden passing of Shelley Milliard.

Sadly, the day she and Randy arrived in Arizona to spend their winter in warmer weather, was a day that has forever changed our lives.

Following her shocking diagnosis and a short stay in Mesa, Becky was there by her side to return to Kamloops. Shelley was relieved to be home.

Shelley was one of a kind. She was a wonderful daughter, adored by her parents, Dennis and Kathleen Podmore; a loving wife to Randy Milliard, who was her classmate in elementary and high school with whom she later reconnected at their 20th grad reunion; and she was the perfect and beloved Mother to Becky Comazzetto. Their special bond didn’t go unnoticed. Regardless of life’s circumstances, this unbreakable bond will forever remain.

Shelley was a sister who will be dearly missed by Greg Podmore (Karen). Very lucky to have had her in their lives are her son-in-law, Dave Evans; Randy’s children Dhanell Tymchuk, Wyatt Milliard (Sarah) and Kyle Milliard (Leanne); Auntie Patsy, cousins Patti Keenan, Cindi Stewart and Adam Keenan; the four D’s; and her niece and nephew Tanya Ayre (Will) and Ryan Podmore (Laura).

She was Grandma to Emily and Ethan Evans whose dressers were never empty thanks to her many shopping trips and she always made a point of stopping by with their favourite goodies from Costco in hand. She had a loving spirit and generous nature; and goodheartedly put up with the constant profile changes on Netflix! She was Nana to Ava and Jace Tymchuk and Grandma Shell to Violet and Sam Milliard.

A wonderful friend to many, she was extremely grateful for her friendships with her dear friends Valerie Deacon, Kara Coupland and Frankie McBride; and Shell was a lifelong friend to Diane Forsyth, whom she met at the age of four in Prince George.

Shell gave it all she could, but given the aggressive progression, sixteen days just wasn’t long enough.

Shelley was not alone during her brief battle. Randy and Becky would like to thank each and every one of you who came to visit Shelley. From the many latte’s, the flowers that brightened her room, her mini spa days, her daily dinner requests who were fulfilled by Chef Jeff (Kara Coupland) and for just being there by her side, our sincerest gratitude to you all.

It takes a very special team of people to care for someone in their time of need. To all medical staff who cared for Shelley at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa, and at RIH in Kamloops, and to the flight crew who made her journey home possible, we appreciate you and we thank you.

To the staff at Marjorie Willoughby Hospice, the care and compassion Shelley received during her very brief stay will forever be remembered as nothing short of exceptional. Given the situation, she was exactly where she needed to be with a beautiful view of Mt. Peter and Mt. Paul, a true vision of home.

Our lives will never be the same, but knowing that Shelley is reunited with her Mom and Dad who she dearly missed, gives us a little peace as they are together once again. We have no doubt they greeted her with open arms and a box of Timbits.

In lieu of flowers, buy yourself an iced latte, play your favourite Adele song and hug your loved ones. As we all know and tend to brush off, tomorrow isn’t promised.

There will be no service at Shelley’s request. We kindly ask that you consider donating to Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home in remembrance of Shelley.

You may offer a message of condolence at Schoening Funeral Service for the Milliard family.

• Date : 2023-11-15