God’s beautiful earthly angel has been reunited in heaven with her beloved Mama, Daddy and brother Michael there to greet her. Michele passed away peacefully at home on March 18, 2026, with her loving caregivers and best friend cousin Erica Velador by her side.
Michele was born on Dec. 17, 1952, in Ventura. Her roots went far back beyond the founding of Ventura, tracing family back to the native Chumash, early Spanish explorers and some Irish thrown in for good measure! She was a very special lady in so many ways. Never one to hold back, and never one to be held back, she accomplished much. She was blessed with a mother who encouraged her to face challenges head on. Taught to be independent, she was able to attend school, work and travel and do things many others take for granted. She flew alone to Seattle to visit her Aunt Patsy, cruised with family and jetted off to Hawaii with her best friend Liz. Weekly bowling was a must. As a Special Olympian she upheld the pledge “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt”.
She loved babies, weddings, music, dancing and parties. Nobody looked forward to their own birthdays more than she! In any gathering she not only fit in but often took over center stage. Not shy if a microphone was near as anyone at the Velarde Family Reunions or the famous McLean Christmas celebrations can attest.
Shelle is preceded in death by her mother and father Lewis J. and Patricia McLean and by her brother Michael L. McLean. She is survived by her late brother’s wife Teri, nephews Kayle and Tyler, niece Maiya McLean, brother Mark and his spouse Ginni, nieces and nephew Stephanie (Brian), Camille (Phil) and Greg (Chad). Special thanks to all the families and friends so kind to Shelle through her life. Thanks to uber-neighbor Karen Davidson who was always there when needed, and to you Father Tom Elewaut of the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura, where Shelle was baptized and will have her funeral.
The family wishes to thank ARC of Ventura County, Tri-Counties Regional Center (Bridgett Cundif), the nurses of West Coast Wound & Skin Care, Doctors Michael Stelman M.D. and Jacob West M.D., Livingston Memorial hospice, and Maxim Healthcare (Brianna and Alyssa).
And an extra special thanks to Alex, Oralia, Valerie, Sylvia and all the caregivers who became family and gave so much time, care, joy and love to Michele.
Please remember Mission Basilica San Buenaventura and ARC of Ventura County with donations in Shelle’s name.
Family and friends are invited to visiting hours on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 from 2 to 8pm in the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 East Main Street, Ventura. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 11 am at the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura, 211 East Main Street, Ventura. Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park.