Lorraine Anne Ellwood (Shacklett), 73, of Apollo Beach, FL, a beloved mother, wife, friend, grandma, and veterinarian, passed away on January 13, 2026 in Riverview, FL with her family by her side.

Lorraine was born on March 3rd, 1952, to Evelyn and Harry Shacklett, in Oakland, CA. She was the 2nd of 3 children. Due to her father being in the Navy, their family moved frequently throughout her childhood. They lived all over the United States and even in France for a while. She attended 5 different high schools and graduated from high school in 1970 in Waukegan, IL. Her parents divorced during her sophomore year of high school and her father moved to Columbus, OH. She decided to attend The Ohio State University to be closer to her father. She spent 10 years at OSU, achieving three separate degrees; a Bachelor's of Science in education (1974), Masters degree in physiology (1976), and her Doctorate in veterinary medicine (1980). She initially thought she wanted to be a science teacher but later discovered her passion for veterinary medicine.

Veterinary medicine was not just a career for Lorraine, it was her passion and an integral part of her identity. Her husband always said "she never went to work a day in her life." She loved her career and she continued working up until a few weeks before her passing. She helped thousands of animals and left a large impact on the veterinary community both in Ohio and Florida. She was known by her colleagues for her positive attitude, infectious smile, and her willingness to teach.

Lorraine met her husband, Ronald Ellwood, in 1984 and they were married on September 17th, 1988 in Westerville, OH. Their daughter Ashley was born in 1990 in Columbus, OH. In 2001, they made the decision to move to Florida. In 2013, Lorraine was diagnosed with stage 4 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The cancer did not respond to the initial chemotherapy and the doctors said her only option was a stem-cell transplant. They found her a donor through the database "Be the Match," a young man who lived in Wales. The stem cell transplant process was a very long hard journey and there were times when it was unclear if she was going to survive the process. But thankfully, she made it through and it gave her 12 precious years where she got to see her daughter graduate veterinary school, get married, and have two babies.

Lorraine enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She also loved traveling, especially going camping in their RV, and visiting her grandchildren. She enjoyed taking her dogs for a walk, exercising, reading, and doing crossword puzzles. Lorraine was a beloved follower of Christ and attended Bell Shoals Baptist Church. For many years she helped shape young lives by helping teach in their Sunday School program.

Lorraine had the ability to make an impact on almost every person that came into her life. She had the biggest heart and was always a joy to be around. She will be remembered for her inherent positivity, fighting spirit, kindness, and her sense of humor. She made the world a better and brighter place just by being in it.

She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Ronald Ellwood; daughter, Ashley Ellwood and husband Daniel Morales; step-daughter, Stephanie (John) Peck ; step-son, Stephen Ellwood; 5 grandchildren; Clayton (Lauren), Madelyn, and Cole Peck, Henry and Cora Morales; brother Alan Shacklett; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and her ashes will be scattered in a private family ceremony. There will be a Celebration of Life for her on February 22nd, 2026, 1pm, at the South Shore Falls clubhouse in Apollo Beach, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tampa Bay Humane Society.







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