Obituary of Shelley Jean Cina

Shelley Jean Cina, 66, Jefferson, passed away January 11, 2024, at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital after a year-long battle with cancer. She was born September 18, 1957, to Adam and Delores (Jefferson) Skrobak of Jefferson. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1976, and in 1981 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor’s degree in art.  She also earned an Associate's degree in graphic art from Madison Area Technical College.

Shelley was self-employed as a certified massage therapist for many years. She studied varying forms of massage at the Florida School of Massage and the Ohashi Institute in New York City. Following this, Shelley spent three years in China studying massage, Tai Chi and Tai Chi sword. She also studied acupuncture at Nanjing University TCM. During her time in China, she took an interest in the study of orchids and herb cultivation.

While in China, Shelley met medical doctor Mariano Guetio from Buga, Colombia, who was  studying Pharmacognosy (analysis and identification of medicinal plants). It was there that they welcomed the birth of their only child, Kamille Rose. They married and lived for a few years in Colombia before settling down in Jefferson. She was drawn to the Colombian culture and people and was happy to spend a few weeks there every year exploring the country, including the Amazon. A particular highlight was meeting Putumayo Shaman Juan Mutumbajoy.

Shelley grew to know and love members of her husband’s Paez indigenous family. She braved the steep journey to slopes high in the Cordilleras Mountains so she could spend time with them on their reservation and was rewarded with acceptance into the tribe. She and Mariano recently built a yurt there, which they planned to live in after retirement from their careers in the U.S. It was here where Shelley hoped to finally pursue her first love, art.

Shelley was a world traveler, fine artist and talented photographer who captured many stunning images of people and their cultures. She was fiercely independent and well learned in the study of herbs and holistic medicine. In her spare time, she could often be found painting or creating other art projects.

Shelley is preceded in death by her parents, plus siblings Gail Frieda Marie and Paul Jefferson. She is survived by husband Mariano Guetio, Jefferson; daughter Kamille Guetio Cina, Janesville; sisters Jan (Gary, deceased) Vanderheiden, Lake Mills; Julie (Mike) Brock, Conover; Patricia (Robert) Boos, Oconomowoc; plus many nieces and nephews. All are from Wisconsin.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 12:00pm at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, W4875 USH 18, Jefferson, WI.  Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 10:00am until the time of the service.

Online condolences may be made at www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com