Shelley J. Prashaw, age 62, of Richville, passed away April 1st 2024 surrounded by loved ones at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse.
Shelley was born on February 7th, 1962 in Gouverneur, NY to the late Elinor and Glen “George” Besaw. She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1980 and later returned to school to graduate with a degree in Accounting from SUNY Canton. She married her husband Eugene Prashaw July 26th 1980, and together they had 4 children- Casey and Lindsey Prashaw, Craig and Whitney Prashaw, Eliza and David Dusharm and Corey Prashaw and Jenna Tabakaru. Each child brought a new family to love with 9 grandchildren and countless “4 legged grandbabies” as she so often called them. Shelley has four siblings; Glen Besaw and his wife Kathy, Steven Besaw, Elizabeth Daniels and Ellie Jo and her husband Herbert Simmons. Shelley is predeceased by three sisters; Kathy Phillips, Karen Gilson and Anne Powers.
Shelley worked most recently at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center in Ogdensburg and as the Village Clerk of Richville. She previously held roles in Accounting, Human Resources and Hospitality. Although her favorite job was her duty as a Mother, “Nanny” and Caretaker of her community. It is well known that Shelley came into your life as a person that was immediately invested in your well-being and success. Having had open arms and the thoughtful care that really only a mother could have. Each person who stepped into her life could agree that she had a certain commitment to you. She would make sure you were fed, listened to and that you got a great big hug. Never once did you have to question if she would be there. Often times showing up when she never had to, just for the sake of being there in case something great happened.
Shelley enjoyed her time with family and building a life with those that she loved. As the years passed, she spent her days by the water at Lisbon Beach, alongside her loving husband and children. Having a drink, making a fire, watching the grandbabies create memories so incredible they could be written into a memoir, and waiting for her youngest son to make his world famous smore. She would always share the same stories every trip to Lisbon beach. Each time the stories unlocked a different part of her that lit her up with joy. She would so often tell stories of her own parents and the love they shared for each other. Displayed most prominently in our memory by the picture that hung in her home of her mother and father dancing. The way she could recall the passion they had for each other and the longing she had to see them again would always make us hurt. Although now at peace- we’re hopeful she is somewhere, sitting on a comfortable chair somewhere by the water, elated in the vision of her parents dancing again.
At this time Shelley’s family has decided to have a Celebration of Life for her at Shelley’s second home, Lisbon Beach. The date will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.