Michelle “Shelly” Marie Kochel, 59, of Exeter Township, entered eternal rest on Friday, May 8, 2026. Born in Reading, PA on September 26, 1966, she was the beloved daughter of Nancy Ann (Schweitzer) Gordon and the late Bill “Waxy” Gordon, her stepfather, and the late Robert S. Aldinger. In addition to her stepfather and father, Shelly was welcomed into heaven by her beloved son, Nicholas C. Eliopulos, whose memory she carried closely in her heart every day.
Shelly attended the Reading School District and was known for her warmth, laughter, and loving heart.
She loved to sing since she was little on up, and one of her favorite songs was “The Rose” by Bette Midler. Shelly was an amazing cook who loved bringing family and friends together through her meals, and even after becoming partially disabled following a stroke, she still found joy in cooking.
Above all else, Shelly treasured her family. Her spirit will be carried on by her mother Nancy A. Gordon; her step mother Janice Alidinger; her husband, Henry Kochel Sr.; her daughter, Christina M. Lloyd and her husband, Jordan Lloyd, of Indiana; her sister, Stacy L. Moyer and her husband, Robert J. Moyer II, of Hamburg; and her brother, Robert W. Aldinger and his wife, Debbie Aldinger, of Kentucky. She also leaves behind five cherished grandchildren, Matthew, Alex, Zemira, Arabella, and Leighton, as well as her great-grandson, Anakin, all of whom brought immense pride and joy to her life. Shelly is also survived by a loving host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will cherish her memory.
Shelly’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.
She will be laid to rest with her son, Nicholas, exactly as she wished, at Forest Hills Memorial Park, 390 W. Neversink Rd., Reading, PA 19606, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Those wishing to attend are kindly asked to arrive at the cemetery entrance by 10:45 a.m.
