Michaele "Shelley" McMullen Garbe

Michaele "Shelley" McMullen Garbe was born in Detroit on July 27, 1944.  She passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on May 13, 2024. 

She is survived by her beloved husband of 30 years, Donald Joel Garbe.  Shelley was a proud and loving mother of Paul DeGrande (Colleen), Danielle DeGrande Roberts (Jeff), Elizabeth Megge (Dave), Christopher DeGrande (Katie).  Cherished grandmother "Gammy, Grandma Shelley" of Paul (Olivia), Steven (Jacqueline), Paige, Callan (Tyler), Chadd, Shane, David, Logan, Olivia, Christian, Braden & Dylan. Great Grandma of Jaxon and Brantley. 

Shelley was a feisty woman who loved her family fiercely. Her four children were her world, and if anyone messed with her kids, she wasn't having it. She was the neighborhood mom in the 70"s on Sunnyside in St Clair Shores. All the neighborhood kids would make her cakes and signs for her birthday. She was loved by all.

Shelley rescued more cats, dogs, birds, etc than any single human we know. Our home was always filled with animals and she taught everyone an appreciation for all living things.

She was absolutely stunning and the epitome of fashion. She was a fabulous seamstress and cook. She loved decorating, reading, old movies and threw fantastic Oscar parties! She was an amazing hostess and loved a good party. She would dance and sing with all her kids and grandkids all night long. She had a passion for photography and our homes have her beautiful photos displayed throughout.

Shelley and Don loved to RV and travel and provided our family with our beloved condo in Madeira Beach for over 20 years. Incredible memories and family weddings happened there due to them.

She was the most incredible Gammy ever and called them her "fabulous grandchildren". She made every grandchild feel like they were the most important. She never missed a game, ceremony, or any event and beamed with pride. She took them to the zoo and on vacations and they loved every special moment they had with her.

Shelley's travels abroad included Scotland, England and Ireland. She was blessed by the Cardinal at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin last year. It was a monumental moment in her life. She instilled a love of reading, British literature, history, and music in her family's lives.

Shelley had this ability to see when kids and adults were hurting or needed that extra special love and care. It was uncanny. She touched many lives.

Shelley McMullen Garbe lived a fast and fun life. She was dancing in her sexy leather outfit last October like she was 25. She made everything beautiful- homes, presents, gardens. She was surrounded with love like she always did all of us . Our worlds will never be the same, she was a legend and one of a kind.

A celebration of life will be held on June 15, 2024 at the Megge home (39000 Parkway Circle, Harrison Township MI). Please feel free to stop by after 4PM to celebrate Shelley's incredible life. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to:

Michigan Humane Society

Tunnels to Towers