Rachelle Wickstrom

Rachelle Renee Wickstrom, known to those who love her as Shelly, preceded us to Heaven on Thursday, February 11, 2016.

Born in Portsmouth, Virginia on August 26, 1974, Shelly spent her life enjoying being with her family, reading, researching her family tree, and influencing everyone she met. She loved learning about her heritage and her Irish roots. Shelly showed all of us each day, starting from the day she was born, that no matter how difficult the journey, miracles are possible. She will be remembered for her unconditional love towards those she met, her kindness, her fighting spirit, and for the joy she showed and gave to others.

Shelly's heart knew no boundaries. She lived to give to others. Her kindness when people she loved needed her will never be forgotten. The wisdom that she gave to others will strengthen them when they are struggling or in need of advice. The strength that people saw in her and the fighting spirit she put forth will remain with them forever. She will never be forgotten in this world because she has made such an impact in the short time she was here with us.

She is preceded in death by her Grandfather William, her grandmother and grandfather Margaret and Oscar, her Aunt Shirley, her Uncle Dick, her godparents Chet and Miriam, and her beloved pets Spunky and Ninnea.

She is survived by her best friend, companion, personal hero and mother Mary, her strong, yet kind-hearted and gentle father Jerry, her goofy and favorite middle sister Leigh Ann, her strong and favorite younger sister Shana, her friend, confidant and brother-in-law Chris, her constant and supportive brother-in-law Frank, and her two nieces Alyssa and Sara who will grow up in this world with the knowledge of wisdom, love, kindness, and generosity that their Aunt Shelly bestowed upon to them.

Shelly is survived by the special family members that loved her and whom she loved greatly in return: her grandmother Dorothy, her Aunt Debbie and Uncle Billy and all of her New York Family; Aunt Joanne, Aunt Cherrie, Aunt Carol and Uncle Dave, Uncle Larry and Aunt Linda and all of her Chicago Family; Susan, Wanda and Bobby, Nancy and Ken, Ty and Caroline, Barbara, and Betty, and those special friends here and overseas who will always carry a piece of Shelly with them.

Last but not least, Shelly is survived by her spiritual companion and loving dog Lucky, who will be waiting by the door to ring the bell, with Snake, for the day when she can give him his favorite cookie and when he can see his "Mommy" again.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking everyone to consider making a donation to the Broward County Animal Shelter in Broward County, Florida, The Arrow Fund in Kentucky, or to a personal charity of your choice in Shelly's name. Thank you.